Effects of Laughter Yoga on Symptom Severity, Hope, and Life Engagement in Patients Undergoing Ch… (NCT06654869) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effects of Laughter Yoga on Symptom Severity, Hope, and Life Engagement in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy; A Randomized Controlled Study
Turkey (Türkiye)55 participantsStarted 2024-11-01
Plain-language summary
Non-pharmacological interventions that promote positive emotional states and coping may play a critical role in care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. .This study aimed to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga on symptoms, hope, and life engagement levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Conducted between January and June 2025 at the chemotherapy unit of Atatürk University Research Hospital in Türkiye, this randomized controlled trial included 55 chemotherapy patients who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 27) receiving 40-minute weekly laughter yoga sessions for four weeks or to a control group (n = 28) receiving routine care. Symptom severity, hope, and life engagement were measured at baseline and after four weeks using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Herth Hope Scale (HHS), and Life Engagement Scale (LES). Post-intervention analyses revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group. Patients who received laughter yoga reported significantly lower symptom severity on the ESAS (p \< 0.05), along with significantly higher levels of hope and life engagement as measured by the HHS and LES, respectively (p \< 0.05).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria: (1) age ≥18, (2) pathologically confirmed cancer diagnosis, (3) be able to communicate, and (4) voluntary participation.
Exclusion criteria: (1) psychiatric disorder, (2) treatments other than chemotherapy, (3) severe psychiatric illness, (4) hearing or vision loss, (5) prior laughter therapy experience, or (6) unstable clinical condition.
Discontinuation Criteria: (1) withdrawal request, (2) worsening of clinical condition, (3) change in treatment protocol.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial tested laughter yoga specifically on cancer patients to see how it affected symptoms, hope, and life engagement — since it's already completed, has the data been published, and could you help me understand whether the results showed any meaningful benefit worth considering for my situation?
2The trial measured symptom burden using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, which covers things like pain, fatigue, and anxiety — based on my current symptom profile, do you think an activity-based approach like laughter yoga could realistically complement my treatment plan?
3Since this was a nursing-led intervention focused on quality of life rather than treating the cancer itself, how would you weigh adding something like this alongside my primary cancer treatment, and is there any risk it could interfere with what I'm already doing?
4The trial also measured hope using the Herth Hope Scale, which suggests emotional wellbeing was a key focus — are there structured programs like this, whether laughter yoga or something similar, that you'd recommend I look into as part of managing the emotional side of my diagnosis?
5Because this study is completed and wasn't a drug trial, it's listed as 'Phase NA' — does that mean the findings are more immediately applicable to everyday care, and who on my care team, like a nurse or palliative care specialist, would be the right person to talk to about incorporating this kind of approach?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.