Impact of a mind-body technique program and exercise on sleep disturbance and anxiety in patients with carcinoma

Introduction: Sleep disorder and anxiety are among the most important problems of people with carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of mind-body technique and exercise on sleep disorders and anxiety in patients with carcinoma. Methods: 30 volunteer patients with cancer (24 women, 6 men) were randomly divided into two control (15 people) and experimental (15 people) groups. This study was quasi-experimental and was conducted in 2021 in Isfahan. Sleep disorder was assessed with the Pittsburgh questionnaire and anxiety with the Beck questionnaire. Measurements of variables were recorded at before, 3 and 12 weeks after the intervention. The experimental group participated in a combined program of mind-body techniques and exercise during three months. Sleep disorder was assessed using the Pittsburgh questionnaire and anxiety was assessed using the Beck questionnaire. Results: The main effect of the exercise program on the variables of sleep disorders was significant (P<0.001). Also, the main effects related to repetition and the interaction effect of repetition in the group were significant (P<0.001). In addition, the main effect of exercise program on anxiety was significant (P<0.001). Also, the main effects related to repetition and the interaction effect of repetition in the group were significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The combined program including exercise and mind-body technique improved the symptoms of sleep disorder and anxiety in patients with carcinoma cancer.