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

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oncology
• Psychology

Background:

• Older breast cancer survivors (BCSs) face long-term effects impacting quality of life (QOL), such as reduced physical function and fear of recurrence.
• Mindfulness and dance/movement therapy are potential interventions to mitigate these late effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term impact of a 12-week Mindful Movement Program (MMP) on QOL and mindfulness in BCSs aged 50 and above.
• The study aimed to assess the effects of combining mindfulness with self-directed movement in female BCSs at least 12 months post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot feasibility study involving 49 female BCSs aged 50-90.
• Participants were assigned to either the experimental group (12 weekly MMP sessions) or a control group.
• Questionnaires were administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and six weeks later to assess outcomes; home practice diaries were kept by the experimental group.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in QOL, characterized by a reduction in fear of recurrence and an increase in mindfulness attitude.
• These beneficial effects were sustained at the six-week follow-up assessment, indicating maintenance of the intervention's impact.
• Participants were, on average, 65.6 years old and 9.8 years post-diagnosis, with the majority being white, unpartnered, and retired.

Conclusions:

• The Mindful Movement Program (MMP) shows promise in enhancing the well-being of older breast cancer survivors.
• MMP may be an effective strategy for decreasing fear of recurrence and fostering mindfulness.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm short- and long-term benefits and optimize the intervention for long-term breast cancer survivors.