Sturm, I., Baak, J., Storek, B., Traore, A., & Thuss-Patience, P. (2014). Effect of dance on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life. Supportive Care in Cancer, 22, 2241–2249. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To evaluate the effect of dance on relieving fatigue in patients with cancer undergoing active cancer treatment

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

This study consisted of two groups, one with supportive consultation, fatigue counseling, nutrition counseling, psychooncology, and 10 60-minute dance classes for five weeks, and the other with everything except the dance class.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 40  
  • AGE RANGE = 26–71 years
  • MALES: 3 (7%), FEMALES: 37 (93%)
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and other cancers; patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and palliative care settings

Setting

  • SITE: Single-site    
  • SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
  • LOCATION: Berlin

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Nonrandomized intervention

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Fatigue Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
  • European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30)
  • 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
  • Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)
  • Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F)

Results

Fatigue was measured at baseline and at the end of the study for both groups. There was significant reduction in fatigue in the dance group while fatigue essentially was unchanged in the control group. The study also demonstrated improved scores on the social and emotional functioning scales and in physical performance in the dance group.

Conclusions

Dance could be an appropriate, multidimensional approach for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no random assignment)
  • Key sample group differences that could influence results

 

Nursing Implications

To encourage exercise or movement, this study offers a less monotonous approach compared to conventional fitness programs addressing cancer-related fatigue. Replication and a randomized study is needed to establish effectiveness.