Mindful movement program for older breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.

Source

Author Affiliations: Division of Nursing Research and Education, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte (Dr Crane-Okada); WISE & Healthy Aging, Santa Monica (Ms Kiger); Medicine Dance, Woodland Hills (Mr Sugerman); Vital Research, LLC, Los Angeles (Dr Uman); Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University (Dr Shapiro); University of California, Los Angeles (Dr Anderson); private practice, West Los Angeles (Dr Wyman-McGinty), California.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

: Older breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are at risk for late and long-term treatment effects on quality of life (QOL), including lower physical functioning and fear of recurrence. Two promising approaches to address this include dance/movement therapy and mindfulness.

OBJECTIVE:

: The purpose of this 2-group randomized controlled pilot feasibility study was to test short-term effects of a 12-week Mindful Movement Program (MMP) intervention combining mindfulness with self-directed movement on QOL and mindfulness in female BCSs 50 years or older and at 12 months or more following treatment.

METHODS:

: Consented participants were randomized to an experimental group (EG) (12 weekly MMP sessions) or a control group (no sessions). All completed questionnaires 3 times. The EG participants kept home practice diaries. Analysis was conducted after intervention for immediate effects on outcome variables and 6 weeks later for maintenance of effects.

RESULTS:

: Participants (n = 49) ranged in age from 50 to 90 years (average, 65.6 years) and were at 9.8 years since diagnosis (range, 1-32 years), and the majority were white, unpartnered, and retired. After intervention, EG participants showed improved QOL via decreased fear of recurrence and increased mindfulness attitude. At 6 weeks, initial effects were retained.

CONCLUSIONS:

: The MMP appears to benefit older BCSs by reducing fear of recurrence and improving mindfulness attitude. Although these findings are promising, a larger study is needed to determine more specifically what short- and long-term effects are possible.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

: The combination of self-directed movement and mindfulness, as tested here, may be a valuable tool for promoting health and well-being in older long-term survivors of breast cancer.

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