Structured yoga program as supportive care to enhance quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a prospective matched controlled study

PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience significant deterioration in quality of life (QoL) due to physical and psychological challenges. This study evaluates the effect of a structured yoga program‐including physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation‐on QoL among these patients. METHODS: A prospective matched controlled nonrandomized study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Centre in North East India. Then, 140 patients undergoing definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy were equally divided into experimental (yoga intervention) and control groups. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire at baseline, end of treatment, and two months posttreatment. The yoga intervention consisted of thrice‐weekly sessions for two months. All primary statistical analysis was done using nonparametric methods. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was seen in the experimental group in global health status/QoL (p‐value < 0.001), pain (< 0.001), financial difficulties (< 0.001), emotional functioning (0.001), and fatigue aspect (0.024). CONCLUSION: A structured yoga program significantly improved key QoL domains in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Yoga can be considered an effective supportive therapy in this population.