Effects of Mindfulness-based Yoga (Mindful Yoga) on Salivary Cortisol and Psychological Outcomes in Hong Kong Cancer Patients

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of eight-week mindful yoga on improving psychosocial outcomes and lowering cortisol levels among cancer patients in Hong Kong. We recruited 15 cancer patients from one local oncology center via stratified sampling, and simple random sampling via online platforms. Psychosocial outcomes including health-related quality of life, perceived stress, mindfulness, and depression were assessed using validated scales before and after the eight-week mindful yoga program which was led by a certified mindful yoga teacher. Participants collected saliva samples using Salivettes four times per day on two consecutive days before and after yoga training, respectively. Analyses using paired t-tests showed that health-related quality of life t (14) = 4.81, p < 0.005, was improved and perceived stress was reduced t (14) =-3.85, p < 0.005, by mindful yoga. Results generated by a 3-way mixed ANOVA with repeated measures (Day and Intervention) and Age (a between-subject factor) showed that the mean cortisol level was lowered by the yoga program, F (1, 12) = 23.96, p < 0.001. There was also a significant Age by Intervention interaction in that the cortisol-lowering effect of mindful yoga was accentuated in older participants, F (1, 12) = 4.93, p = .046. This pilot study demonstrated a significant effect of an eight- week Mindful Yoga course in improving quality of life and reducing perceived stress in cancer patients. Cortisol levels were lowered by the intervention with a stronger effect in older participants. To establish causal relationship reliably, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are indispensable.
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