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.
To evaluate the effect of dance on relieving fatigue in patients with cancer undergoing active cancer treatment
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.
Nonrandomized intervention
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.
Dance could be an appropriate, multidimensional approach for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue.
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.