Effect of ballroom dancing on the well-being of cancer patients: Report of a pilot project

A virtual dance sport class for cancer patients: the trainer perspective

PURPOSE

Due to the corona, pandemic classes with physical activity for cancer patients were postponed. For an ongoing program with ballroom dancing classes for patients and their partners, the training was switched to a digital format.

METHODS

We evaluated the training by structured written interviews of the trainers including an open report part concerning the development and realization of the project, the teaching and training concept and their experiences as trainers.

RESULTS

5 trainers reported data from 6 different classes including 65 participants. All in all, digital dance training is feasible and a substantial part of the participants of former face-to-face training took part. Yet, digital training imposes some restrictions to the movements taught and the interactions with and between the participants. Trainers have to invest time in a new conception of the training and additional time in guiding participants with lower experience in technical issues.

CONCLUSION

Participants in virtual training rooms need more support and social interactions in digital training are less and different from ballroom lessons and trainers which puts more strain on trainers to motivate cancer patients.

Influence of ballroom dancing on fatigue, body image, self-efficacy, and endurance of cancer patients and their partners

Physical activity has a high importance for cancer patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of ballroom dancing on fatigue, body image, self-efficacy, and functional exercise capacity for patients with cancer. We collected data among participants of a regular dance training program for cancer patients with a questionnaire including the Body Image Scale (BIS), Brief Fatigue inventory (BFI), Short Scale for Measuring General Self-efficacy Beliefs (ASKU), and the 6-min walking test (6-MWT). 66 participants took part in the study, and among them, 39 participants also engaged in the 6-MWT: dance experience and the weeks of dance training were significantly associated with a higher walking distance in the 6-MWT. Participants with dance experience showed higher self-efficacy scores than participants without. Participants rated the influence of dancing on partnership positively. However, the dance training had no significant effects on fatigue or body image. Ballroom dancing may improve functional exercise capacity, and dance experience may be associated with a high self-efficacy and active lifestyle, which can be beneficial for cancer patients during and after treatment. Further studies are needed to assess the influence of ballroom dancing more deeply on physical activity and fitness and to learn more on impact on the partnership. As ballroom dancing seems to improve physical activity and wellbeing and can promote intimacy between partners, this intervention has the potential to support cancer survivors in various levels.