Abstract
Background: Current yoga programs for cancer survivors do not meet participants’ needs and are rarely implemented in community-based settings, despite reported benefits. Thus, study objectives were to implement a co-created 12-week bi-modal Hatha-based yoga program for gynecologic cancer survivors in the community to assess the feasibility of the program and the evaluative study methods. Methods: Using a multiple baseline single subject research design with an 8-week follow-up phase, participants were recruited from The Ottawa Hospital and self-selected to enroll in a morning or evening program. They were asked to complete survey packages at 9-11 timepoints and complete an interview post-program. Recruitment, retention, adherence, and optional program feature use rates were assessed. Results: Forty-one gynecologic cancer survivors were screened for eligibility; 22 (53.6%) were eligible and 20 (90.9%; 10 per program) consented. One participant withdrew from the evening program due to time constraints; 17 (89.4%; nmorning=9, nevening=8) attended >75% (>18/24) of classes. Eighteen participants (94.7%; nmorning=9, nevening=9) were interviewed and 17 (89.4%; nmorning=9, nevening=8) provided data on the 8-week follow-up survey. For optional features, 6 participants (31.5%; nmorning=4, nevening=2) used >1 pre-recorded video, 15 (89.4%; nmorning=6, nevening=9) completed >3 journal entries, and 43/48 (89.5%; nmorning=24/24, nevening=19/24) group discussions were attended by >50% of participants. Conclusions: Recruitment and retention targets were achieved, supporting the feasibility of a future definitive trial. Yet, adherence and program engagement were lower than expected. Analysis of interview data will help to identify factors to focus on to enhance the feasibility of program features.
