Can Yoga Help You?
Improving shortness of breath and quality of life for people with lung cancer
Have you been diagnosed with lung cancer and experience breathlessness or shortness of breath?
Researchers at Western Sydney University are seeking volunteers to take part in a clinical study exploring the effects of yoga in people with lung cancer.
What is the purpose of this study?
This study aims to find out if an 8-week yoga program can help reduce shortness of breath and improve mental health, quality of life and immune function in people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Shortness of breath is a common and distressing symptom of lung cancer, often leading to reduced quality of life and mental health challenges. Yoga - through breathing techniques, gentle movement and mindfulness – may help manage these symptoms.
What’s involved?
If you choose to take part and are eligible, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Yoga Group:
You will participate in an 8-week yoga program led by a skilled yoga instructor with experience supporting people with lung cancer. This will include:
- One in-person class per week at NICM Health Research Institute (Westmead)
- One live online class per week
- An optional third weekly online class each week
Control Group:
You will not receive the yoga program during the 8-week study period. After this you will receive full access to the yoga program.
- All participants will attend two study visits at NICM Health Research Institute for physical and mental health assessments
- Complete a blood test at your local Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology centre to check immune markers
- Receive weekly check-in calls from a researcher
- Get free access to all yoga videos after the study concludes
- Receive a $100 gift card as a thank you for your time
Who can join?
You are eligible for this study if you:
- Are aged 18+ and are living in Australia
- Have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (any stage)
- Are currently on a treatment break (last treatment at least 6 weeks ago)
- Experience shortness of breath
- Can understand English and provide informed consent
- Are able to participate in yoga independently
- Are available to attend the 1-in person and 1 online yoga sessions per week for 8 weeks
- Have not practiced yoga in the past 3 months
Who’s running the study?
This study is being conducted by researchers at Western Sydney University and the NICM Health Research Institute.
Interested?
For more details about the study, please read the following information before deciding whether to participate.
If you would like to register your interest and assess your eligibility to participate in this study, please complete the following survey. A member from our research team will be in touch with you within 2-3 business days.
For more information please contact:
Asli Papurcu
WSU PhD candidate
email: asli.papurcu@westernsydney.edu.au
Human Research Ethics Committee Approval: This trial has been approved by Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval Number: H16272).
This study is supported by Turkish Republic of Minister of Education and Western Sydney University.
Chief Investigator: Associate Professor Bobby Cheema, Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute.
