DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A YOGA PROTOCOL FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMORADIATION

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation experience significant physical and psychological side effects, which adversely affect their quality of life. Yoga has shown promise in managing cancer-related symptoms; however, a specific validated yoga protocol for this population is lacking.

Objective: To develop and validate a comprehensive yoga protocol tailored for head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation.

Methods: A total of 52 yoga exercises were identified through literature review addressing symptoms common in chemoradiation patients. Content validation was performed by a panel of 15 oncology experts and 15 certified yoga instructors using Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio. Exercises with acceptable validity scores were included in the final protocol. The finalized module includes dynamic breathing exercises, asanas, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and yogic counseling, delivered in sessions lasting approximately 30–35 minutes.

Results: Fourteen exercises achieved acceptable content validity scores (CVR ≥ 0.8). The validated protocol incorporates 5 dynamic breathing exercises, 3 asanas, 3 pranayama techniques, yoga nidra, meditation, and yogic counseling. A detailed session plan over 18 sessions was formulated to ensure gradual progression and safety.

Conclusion: This study establishes a validated, tailored yoga protocol specifically designed for head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation. The protocol provides a structured, safe, and holistic supportive care intervention ready for efficacy testing in clinical trials.