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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 3/2017

01-06-2017

A dance intervention for cancer survivors and their partners (RHYTHM)

Authors: Maria Pisu, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Kelly M. Kenzik, Robert A. Oster, Chee Paul Lin, Sharon Manne, Ronald Alvarez, Michelle Y. Martin

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a ballroom dance intervention on improving quality of life (QOL) and relationship outcomes in cancer survivors and their partners.

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two arms (Restoring Health in You (and Your Partner) through Movement, RHYTHM): (1) immediate dance intervention and (2) delayed intervention (wait-list control). The intervention consisted of 10 private weekly dance lessons and 2 practice parties over 12 weeks. Main outcomes were physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), functional capacity (6 Minute Walk Test), QOL (SF-36), Couples’ trust (Dyadic Trust Scale), and other dyadic outcomes. Exit interviews were completed by all participating couples.

Results

Thirty-one women survivors (68% breast cancer) and their partners participated. Survivors were 57.9 years old on average and 22.6% African American. Partners had similar characteristics. RHYTHM had significant positive effects on physical activity (p = 0.05), on the mental component of QOL (p = 0.04), on vitality (p = 0.03), and on the dyadic trust scale (p = 0.04). Couples expressed satisfaction with the intervention including appreciating the opportunity to spend time and exercise together. Survivors saw this light-intensity physical activity as easing them into becoming more physically active.

Conclusions

Light intensity ballroom dancing has the potential to improve cancer survivors’ QOL. Larger trials are needed to build strong support for this ubiquitous and acceptable activity.

Implications for cancer survivors

Ballroom dance may be an important tool for cancer survivors to return to a physically active life and improve QOL and other aspects of their intimate life.
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Metadata
Title
A dance intervention for cancer survivors and their partners (RHYTHM)
Authors
Maria Pisu
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
Kelly M. Kenzik
Robert A. Oster
Chee Paul Lin
Sharon Manne
Ronald Alvarez
Michelle Y. Martin
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0593-9

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