title: Dance and movement program improves quality-of-life measures in breast cancer survivors.
abstract: A pilot research study was conducted at 2 cancer centers in Connecticut to determine the effect of a dance and movement program on quality of life and shoulder function in breast cancer survivors treated within the prior 5 years. Thirty-five women completed the trial that included a 12-week intervention, using The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance. The study design was a randomized control trial with a wait list control group crossover to active treatment in weeks 13 to 25, with the treatment group receiving the program in weeks 1 to 12, and no program in weeks 13 to 25. Outcome measures were the Breast Cancer Quality of Life (FACT-B), Shoulder range of motion (ROM), and Body Image Scale. FACT-B significantly improved in the intervention group at 13 weeks from 102.0 +/- 15.8 to 116.7 +/- 16.9, compared to the wait list group 108.1 +/- 16.4 to 107.1 +/- 21.3 (time x group effect, P = .008). During the crossover phase, the FACT-B score increased in the wait list group and was stable in the treatment group. The overall effect of the training at 26 weeks was significant (time effect, P = .03), and the order of training was also significant (P = .015). Shoulder ROM increased in both groups at 13 weeks--15 degrees and 8 degrees in the intervention and wait list groups (Time effect, P = .03; time x group, P = .58). Body Image improved similarly in both groups at 13 weeks (time effect, P = .001; time x group, P = .25), and at 26 weeks. There was no significant effect of the order of training for these outcome measures. A dance movement program that addressed the physical and emotional needs of women following treatment for breast cancer substantially improved a breast cancer-specific quality-of-life measure. Larger studies are justified to determine the acceptability of this therapy as part of the continuum of care for breast cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: MidState Medical Center, Meriden, CT 06450, USA. ssandel@harthosp.org
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Sandel
authors.forename: James O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Judge
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Landry
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.forename: Robbie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ouellette
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Majczak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003237:Connecticut; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003614:Dance Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*