Effect of dance on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life

Abstract

Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue is a multidimensional symptom with an underestimated prevalence and severity in cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dance as a holistic sportive activity in cancer patients under active anticancer treatment with fatigue as endpoint.

Patients and methods: Forty patients under active anticancer treatment (adjuvant (25), palliative (11) or neoadjuvant (4)) with moderate or severe fatigue (≥ 4 on the visual analogue scale) were investigated in two groups for severity of fatigue (visual analogue scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy: Fatigue questionnaire), quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire) and physical performance (6-minute walk test) before and after the study period--group A (n = 20): intervention (10 dance classes in 5 weeks in addition to counselling) and group B (n = 20): control (no dance, standard of care, counselling).

Results: We found significant improvements for cancer-related fatigue in the intervention group (baseline mean ± SD 5.95 ± 1.701, end-of-study mean 3.8 ± 1.542, p = 0.001, reduction of 36 %) compared to the control group (baseline mean 4.95 ± 0.999, end-of-study mean unchanged at 5.0 ± 1.556, p = 0.887); as well as for emotional and social functioning scales and physical performance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Dance might be an appropriate, effective approach for treatment of cancer-related fatigue.