Dance/Movement Therapy as an Intervention in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim. In this paper, we systematically review the evidence looking at the effect of dance/movement therapy (DMT) and mental health outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Method. The literature search was done with the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO, and Cochrane Central by using the following search words: “dancing/dance/movement therapy,” “breast cancer/neoplasms/carcinoma/tumour” or “mammary cancer,” “mental health,” and “quality of life.” Ninety-four articles were found. Only empirical interventional studies (N = 6) were selected for the review: randomised controlled trials (RCT) (n = 5) and non-RCT (n = 1). PRISMA guidelines were used. Results. Data from 6 studies including 385 participants who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, were of an average age of 55.7 years, and had participated in DMT programmes for 3–24 weeks were analysed. In each study, the main outcomes that were measured were quality of life, physical activity, stress, and emotional and social well-being. Different questionnaires were used for the evaluation of outcomes. The mental health of the participants who received DMT intervention improved: they reported a better quality of life and decreased stress, symptoms, and fatigue. Conclusion. We found only six studies for review, and some had a small number of participants. However, our findings indicate that DMT could be successfully used as a complimentary therapy in addition to standard cancer treatment for improving the quality of life and mental health of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. More research is needed to evaluate the complexity of the impact of complimentary therapies. It is possible that DMT could be more effective if used with other therapies.

The Impact of Rhythmic Physical Activity on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults with and without Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Of these five studies, three [37,39,40] observed statistically significant improvements, and another study [33] only observed an improvement in the Physical Component Summary. Similar results are found in several systematic reviews such as that by Ma et al [60] in which they explored the beneficial effects of rhythmic movement interventions on quality of life, but only in cognitively healthy older adults over the age of 60 years; despite these results, these authors recommended further studies with larger population samples, where the gender ratio is balanced, and follow-up is conducted over a prolonged period; the review by Fatkulina et al [61] reported an improved quality of life in women diagnosed with breast cancer after dance/movement therapy; and the review by Lötzke et al [62] revealed the positive effects on quality of life after an Argentine tango-based intervention in patients with Parkinson's disease. In contrast to the previously mentioned results, this systematic review and meta-analysis found one study [38] that did not report positive changes in quality of life.…”

Methodological consideration for a physical activity intervention in breast cancer population: An umbrella review

“…Generally, mindfulness and Yoga are feasible and efficient ET [ 31 ] and they must be included in all ET. To work on mental health, dance or movement therapy could be successfully considered as a complementary therapy [ 81 ].…”

The effect of aquatic and land exercise on the mental well-being of women following breast cancer surgery-comparative study

“…The recommended forms of physical activity after BC removal include Nordic walking [ 16 ], dance therapy [ 17 ], music therapy, virtual reality therapy [ 18 ], yoga [ 19 ], Tai Chi [ 20 ], reflexology as well as aquatic physical therapy [ 21 ]. Women who are involved in vigorous physical activity minimize the risk of BC up to 30–40% [ 22 ].…”