Abstract
IntroductionDance movement therapy (DMT) is a movement-based psychosocial intervention that incorporates the therapeutic components of dance movements and group psychotherapy. DMT, also known as creative movement therapy (CMT) is a psychotherapy used as a complementary therapy in cancer care. It helps in enhancing mood, emotions, self-expression and helps to rebuild self-confidence. Besides, it allows the patients to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses as well as helps to improve physical capabilities.MethodsBy simple random sampling method, 30 breast cancer patients were recruited at Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra, India. The participants were in the age range of 30-60 years based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-intervention scores of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) were taken using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) scale and intervention was given for 45 minutes each day for 5 days a week, over a span of 2 weeks. Thereafter, post-intervention assessment was done and the scores were noted. Pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were compared using paired t-test.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation (SD) of pre- and post-BFI scores derived by using paired t-test was 73.76 (8.6) and 69.33 (9.8), respectively, with a p-value of < 0.001, which is highly significant.ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed that DMT seems to be effective in reducing some amount of CRF in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Besides, it turned out to be an engaging, entertaining and cost-effective approach. The investigation showed that DMT appears to be beneficial in reducing the side effects of radiation therapy such as pain, stress, anxiety and fear, giving a psychotherapeutic relief but did not completely remove the persistent fatigue experienced by the breast cancer patients. Thus, further investigation with long-term follow-up is recommended.
Highlights
Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a movement-based psychosocial intervention that incorporates the therapeutic components of dance movements and group psychotherapy
The results of the present study revealed that DMT seems to be effective in reducing some amount of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
The present study aims to identify the effect of DMT on breast cancer patients with persistent CRF which is a common side effect of radiation therapy (RT)
Summary
Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a movement-based psychosocial intervention that incorporates the therapeutic components of dance movements and group psychotherapy. DMT, known as creative movement therapy (CMT) is a psychotherapy used as a complementary therapy in cancer care. It helps in enhancing mood, emotions, self-expression and helps to rebuild self-confidence. It allows the patients to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses as well as helps to improve physical capabilities
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