Maria Nilsson

About Maria Nilsson

Maria is a PhD student at the Department of Health Sciences at Örebro University since November 2022 and conducts research within the project Digital Yoga Intervention in Cancer Rehabilitation (DigiYoga CaRe). Maria is a licensed physiotherapist, specialist in primary health care and also works clinically in Primary care within the northern area.

Research 

The DigiYoga CaRe study is a randomized controlled trial investigating whether digitally distributed yoga is an effective form of rehabilitation for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer. Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery within the previous 60 days and have not yet started chemotherapy are eligible to participate. The intervention group receives digitally distributed yoga twice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group receives usual care.

The study examines the effects of the intervention on cancer-related fatigue, physical activity, perceived stress, and health-related quality of life. Within one month of completing the yoga intervention, participants are interviewed about their experiences of participating in the digitally distributed yoga intervention.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women. It is often associated with fatigue that can negatively affect well-being, and many women become less physically active following a cancer diagnosis. Yoga is a form of rehabilitation that may reduce fatigue and stress and improve quality of life. However, evidence regarding the effects of digitally distributed yoga among women with breast cancer remains limited, as few randomized controlled trials have been conducted. There is a need for accessible rehabilitation interventions that can reduce fatigue, support physical activity, improve accessibility, and contribute to equitable care for women with breast cancer.

Collaborations and assignments

The DigiYoga CaRe study is a multicenter study conducted in collaboration with Region Gävleborg, Region Västmanland, Region Värmland, and Region Örebro County.