Using yoga to help veterans with prostate cancer manage side effects after surgery
Official title: Developing and Pilot-testing a Yoga Program to Address Post-prostatectomy Side-effects Among Veterans with Prostate Cancer
Funded at Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · NIH-11140994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special yoga program can help veterans who have had prostate cancer surgery feel better by easing issues like erectile dysfunction and urinary problems, and it’s designed to support their mental health too, with sessions available both in-person and online.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hines, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21HX003496-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with prostate cancer who are scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer or those who are not veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a yoga program designed specifically for veterans who have undergone surgery for prostate cancer. The program aims to alleviate common side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, which can lead to anxiety and depression. By incorporating breath work, meditation, and physical poses, the intervention will be delivered through both in-person and online sessions, starting before surgery to maximize benefits. The goal is to create a personalized yoga plan that aligns with each veteran's health needs and personal goals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for veterans recovering from prostate cancer surgery by reducing debilitating side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that yoga can be beneficial for cancer patients, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results for veterans as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
Hines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silva, Abigail — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Silva, Abigail
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.