The effects of yoga on pediatric cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: Pediatric cancer patients often experience biopsychosocial problems that negatively impact their quality of life during the treatment process. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of yoga on quality of life, fatigue, pain, motor skills and motivation in pediatric cancer patients. Method: The study included pediatric cancer patients aged 6 to 12 years. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life, fatigue, pain, motor skills, and motivation in pediatric cancer patients. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=20, 10 males; mean age=9.20±2.28) and the control group (n=21, 12 males; mean age=8.19±2.63). In the intervention group, yoga was administered twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group received standard physiotherapy. Motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test-2, while quality of life was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Cancer Module. Fatigue levels were evaluated using the Child Fatigue Scale (24-hour version), and pain was assessed using both the Pain Flexibility Scale and the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Scale. Additionally, the study measured motivation using the Pediatric Motivation Scale. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant (p<0.05) improvements in quality of life, fatigue, pain, and motor skills after treatment. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive difference in the time interaction for quality of life, fatigue, pain, and motor skills. The group-time interaction had a statistically significant positive effect on fine motor integration, F(1,39) = 5.087, p = 0.030; ηp2=0.115, running speed agility [F(1,39)= 4.590, p= 0.038; ηp2=0.105], and total motor score [F(1,39)=4.983, p=0.031; ηp2=0.113]. It had a negative effect on interest enjoyment score [F(1,39)=4.559, p=0.039; ηp2=0.105]. Conclusion: Yoga and physiotherapy programs for pediatric cancer patients were demonstrated to improve quality of life, motor skills, and reduce fatigue and pain symptoms after 8 weeks. Yoga is more beneficial than physiotherapy at improving the motor skills of pediatric cancer patients. Key words: pediatric cancer, yoga, exercise, oncology, leukemia