Yoga intervention to improve physical performance and quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers

Dyadic Behavioral Interventions to Manage Physical Performance, Symptoms and Quality of Life for Patient Undergoing Radiotherapy and Their Family Caregivers

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT03948100

This study tests whether a yoga program can help improve physical performance and quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers during radiotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT03948100 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of a dyadic yoga intervention aimed at enhancing physical performance and quality of life in patients with stage I-IV non-small cell lung or esophageal cancer who are undergoing radiotherapy, along with their caregivers. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving the yoga intervention and the other receiving educational support. The study measures improvements in physical function through the 6-minute walk test and assesses quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire. Additionally, it explores the impact of the intervention on symptom burden and the experiences of patients and caregivers through qualitative feedback.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with stage I-IV non-small cell lung cancer or esophageal cancer who are undergoing at least three weeks of thoracic radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiotherapy or have an ECOG performance status greater than 2 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the physical and emotional well-being of cancer patients and their caregivers during treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for yoga interventions in cancer care, indicating potential benefits for similar approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PATIENT ONLY: Diagnosed with stage I-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or esophageal cancer and going to receive at least 3 weeks of thoracic radiotherapy (RT)
* PATIENT ONLY: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤ 2
* PATIENT ONLY: Able to read, write and speak English
* PATIENT ONLY: Able to provide informed consent
* PATIENT ONLY: Having a family caregiver (e.g., spouse, sibling, adult child) who assists the patient during the cancer treatment (e.g., emotional support, transportation, meal preparation, care coordination, etc) per patient self-report. Note, patients must identify a family caregiver; however, the participation of the family caregiver is optional. For caregivers to be eligible, they must be at least 18 years old; able to read, write and speak English; and able to provide informed consent. Family caregivers may consent to participate in the intervention and caregiver assessments or only the assessments based on their preference.

Exclusion Criteria:

* PATIENT ONLY: Who have regularly (self-defined) participated in a mind-body practice in the year prior to diagnosis
* PATIENT ONLY: Patients who metastatic disease involving the central nervous system

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Esophageal CarcinomaLung Non-Small Cell CarcinomaStage I Lung Cancer AJCC v8Stage IA1 Lung Cancer AJCC v8Stage IA2 Lung Cancer AJCC v8Stage IA3 Lung Cancer AJCC v8Stage IB Lung Cancer AJCC v8Stage II Lung Cancer AJCC v8
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.