Title : Evaluation of an ayurvedic whole systems lifestyle protocol for quality of life in breast cancer survivors: An exploratory randomized controlled trial
Abstract:
Purpose: Due to advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of breast cancer has significantly increased. However, breast cancer treatments and side effects bring their own challenges to breast cancer survivorship. This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of personalized Ayurvedic whole-systems-based lifestyle protocols to improve quality of life (QOL), digestive health, and sleep among breast cancer survivors.
Methods: Women eligible for this study were diagnosed with breast cancer stages I-IV, had completed conventional treatments more than three months prior to participation and were currently without active disease. Eligible participants were randomized into intervention or waitlist control groups. The intervention group participated in 4 one-on-one sessions and 8 group sessions with an Ayurvedic practitioner. All sessions were conducted virtually. In the intervention group, participants were asked to follow a standardized daily routine protocol created based on the Ayurvedic principles of daily routine, food compatibility and stress management. These protocols were tailored to each participant based on their imbalance in mindbody constitution type (vikriti).
Results: Participants (n=15), randomized into the intervention group (n=8) and waitlist control group (n=7), had a mean age of 61 years. The consent rate of the eligible participants was 100% and the retention rate was 93% for the randomized participants. Adherence with participation in the intervention sessions was excellent. Out of 15 recruited, 93% (n=14) participants completed the 12 weeks as randomized. Those randomized to intervention achieved nearly 100% of the required visits with the Ayurveda practitioner (only one participant missed 2 Shraddha Ravani 1/15/2024 one group meeting). The participants in the intervention group reported significant improvement in total gastrointestinal symptoms (p = <0.001), indigestion symptoms (p=0.004), psychological aspects of quality of life (p=0.007) and total score of sleep disturbances (p=0.026) compared to the waitlist control group. Overall, there was reduced sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and improved QOL in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: This 12-week personalized whole system-based Ayurvedic lifestyle intervention program for breast cancer survivorship showed promising results in improving digestive health, psychological well-being, and sleep. The successful recruitment, adherence, and positive feedback from the participants demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention. A larger study is needed to validate and extend the findings of this exploratory research study.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Familiarity with the fundamental principles of Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine).
- Understanding the key components of a lifestyle protocol derived from Ayurvedic principles.
- Insight into the outcome results of an exploratory randomized controlled trial focused on the Ayurvedic Whole Systems Lifestyle Protocol for Breast Cancer Survivors.
