Evidence Update: Mat Based Exercises Improve Bone Density
Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect up to 35.5 million women in the United States, with numbers likely to grow with our aging population. Women who have had breast cancer treatment may be at increased risk for osteoporosis and fracture. Estrogen has a protective effect on bone, and reduced levels of the hormone trigger bone loss. Because of treatment medications or surgery, many breast cancer survivors experience a loss of ovarian function and, consequently, reduced estrogen levels. The benefits of engaging in weight bearing exercises on a mat (like yoga) include better posture, improved balance, enhanced coordination, greater range of motion, higher strength, reduced levels of anxiety, and better gait. Improved posture directly addresses spinal fractures, while all these documented benefits of yoga reduce the risk of falling, which is the main cause of all other osteoporotic fractures. A 2016 article published in the Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation titled “Twelve- Minute Daily Yoga Regimen Reverses Osteoporotic Bone Loss” evaluated the effectiveness of selected yoga postures in raising bone mineral density (BMD). The study was conducted over a 10-year time frame and consisted of 741 internet-recruited volunteers comparing pre-yoga BMD changes with post-yoga BMD changes. Bone mineral density improved in spine, hips, and femur of the 227 moderately and fully compliant patients. Study participants completed a 12-minute DVD of 12 yoga poses that were designed to stimulate increased BMD in the lumbar vertebrae, the hip, and the femoral neck. Monthly gain in BMD was found to be significant in spine and femur, suggesting the 12 selected yoga poses studied here appear to be a safe and effective means to reverse bone loss in the spine and the femur. Lu, Y. H., Rosner, B., Chang, G., & Fishman, L. M. (2016). “Twelve-Minute Daily Yoga Regimen Reverses Osteoporotic Bone Loss.” Topics in geriatric rehabilitation, 32(2), 81–87. doi:10.1097/TGR.0000000000000085. For more information and to see the 12 Yoga poses: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851231/
Evidence Update: The Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Decreasing Anxiety, Depression and Length of Hospital Stay in Breast Cancer Patients
It is well documented that patients undergoing breast cancer treatment report increased levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are known to increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, serves an important physiological role in protecting one from imminent danger. However, when cortisol levels are chronically elevated in the body, health problems can occur, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, memory and concentration impairments, poor wound healing, decreased libido, and bone loss. Due to the widespread negative effect on the body caused by chronically elevated cortisol levels, it is clear why reducing stressors such as anxiety and depression during breast cancer treatment is an area of focus for researchers. The authors of the 2017 article “The Impact of Music Therapy on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy” found that breast, as well as head/neck, cancer patients who met with a music therapist to assist in selecting patient preferred prerecorded music to be played during their radiation therapy simulation experienced significantly less distress and anxiety compared to those who did not. The authors of the 2015 article “A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training in Female Breast Cancer Patients After Radical Mastectomy: Results on Depression, Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay” found that patients hospitalized following radical mastectomies, who received music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation training twice per day while admitted, experienced significant reductions in feelings of depression and anxiety as well as significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the control group that received regular nursing care only, https://www.pharmacybc.com/xanax-alprazolam/. Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain and behavior. Music can be used as a distraction for the mind and it can influence behavior. Our August 2019 Education Event features music therapy, provided by a certified music therapist who plays instruments and will employ a variety of activities including listening to melodies and guided imagery. Music therapy is appropriate for people of all ages who may be struggling with illness or totally healthy. Rossetti, Andrew, et al. “The Impact of Music Therapy on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy.” International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, vol. 99, no. 1, 2017, pp. 103–110., doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.05.003. Zhou, Kaina, et al. “A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training in Female Breast Cancer Patients after Radical Mastectomy: Results on Depression, Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay.” European Journal of Oncology Nursing, vol. 19, no. 1, 2015, pp. 54–59., doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2014.07.010.
