The effect of yoga and relaxation techniques on anxiety, stress levels, and quality of life in parents of children diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of yoga and relaxation-based interventions in improving psychological well-being, coping capacity, and quality of life among caregivers of children with cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, CINAHL Complete, EBSCOhost, and Scopus) for studies published between January 2010 and July 2025. Outcomes of interest were anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life, assessed using validated instruments. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and pooled effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' g with random- or mixed-effects models depending on heterogeneity. Results: Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, with sample sizes ranging from 15 to 60 participants. The yoga and relaxation-based interventions showed favorable tendencies but did not yield statistically significant effects across psychological outcomes. For state anxiety, five studies were analyzed, resulting in a non-significant effect size under the mixed-effects model (Hedges' g = -1.687, P = .092). Similarly, four studies examining trait anxiety reported a non-significant pooled effect (Hedges' g = -1.701, P = .089). Two studies assessed depression, which also demonstrated a non-significant effect size (Hedges' g = 0.747, P = .455). For stress, two studies indicated a non-significant pooled effect (Hedges' g = 0.973, P = .331). Three studies investigating quality of life found no significant effect (Hedges' g = 0.714, P = .475). Conclusions: Yoga and relaxation-based interventions may provide psychological benefits for parents of children with cancer, although the current evidence remains insufficient and inconsistent due to small sample sizes, methodological variability, and substantial heterogeneity. Implications for Practice: Given their feasibility, safety, and low cost, yoga and relaxation-based interventions should be considered as supportive strategies to help parents cope with the psychological demands of caregiving