Dance Program for Postoperative Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery

Overseen By Jennifer Ligibel, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Unstable cardiovascular, Psychiatric disorders, Metastatic cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 15

Duration: 12 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on medications that would prohibit participation in an exercise program, you may not be eligible.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dance Program for reducing postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery?

While there is no direct evidence from the provided research about the effectiveness of a dance program for postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery, music and movement therapies have been shown to help reduce pain and anxiety in other surgical settings. This suggests that a dance program might offer similar benefits by combining physical activity with music, potentially improving emotional well-being and reducing pain perception. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the dance program safe for women recovering from breast cancer surgery?

The dance program has been studied in women recovering from breast cancer, and no serious safety concerns have been reported. Participants experienced improvements in quality of life, emotional and social functioning, and physical measures, suggesting it is generally safe and beneficial. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the dance program treatment differ from other treatments for postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery?

The dance program treatment is unique because it combines physical movement with emotional support, helping patients adjust to their new body image and providing a supportive group environment. Unlike traditional physical therapy, it focuses on the freedom of total body movement and psychological adjustment, which can enhance recovery and improve emotional well-being. ^{2 4 5 6 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to examine how a 12-week, virtual dance program may improve pain and quality of life in participants with persistent post-surgical pain, or PPSP, following mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Research Team

Jennifer Ligibel, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy and are experiencing persistent post-surgical pain. Participants will engage in a virtual dance program over 12 weeks to see if it improves their pain and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to read and understand English (to complete required questionnaires and participate in classes)

Ability to provide informed consent

I have had breast cancer ranging from early to locally advanced stages.

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric disorders or conditions that would preclude participation in the study intervention (e.g. untreated major depression or psychosis, untreated substance use disorder, severe personality disorder)

Recent history of attending regular dance or similar classes (e.g. yoga or tai chi classes i.e. 20 or more classes in the past 6 months)

I have no health issues or medications that prevent me from exercising.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Baseline Assessment

Baseline in-person or virtual visit with surveys

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week virtual dance program

12 weeks

12 weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Follow-up in-person or virtual visit with post-intervention surveys

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dance Program

Trial Overview The study is testing whether a virtual dance program can help reduce persistent post-surgical pain and enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors after surgery.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dance Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

30 enrolled participants will complete the following: * Baseline in-person or virtual visit with surveys. * 12 weekly virtual dance classes. * Follow up in-person or virtual visit with post-intervention surveys.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

Findings from Research

A personalized music program implemented for older adults after elective surgeries showed positive outcomes, including improved mood, better pain control, and lower rates of delirium.

The program was integrated into an existing perioperative care framework and demonstrated that rapid cycle improvement can effectively monitor quality measures, making it a cost-effective and patient-centered intervention that can be replicated in various hospital settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bach to the Basics: Implementation and Impact of a Postoperative, Inpatient Personalized Music Program for Older Adults. Sharda, N., Mattoon, E., Matters, L., et al.[2020]

In a study involving 184 women who underwent breast cancer surgery, pain neuroscience education (PNE) did not show a significant advantage over traditional biomedical education in reducing pain-related disability over 12 months post-surgery.

Both educational interventions resulted in similar outcomes for pain intensity, upper limb function, and emotional functioning, suggesting that further research is needed to develop more personalized approaches to pain management in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of pain neuroscience education after breast cancer surgery on pain, physical, and emotional functioning: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (EduCan trial). Dams, L., Van der Gucht, E., Devoogdt, N., et al.[2023]

A study involving 184 participants found that adding pain neuroscience education (PNE) to standard physical therapy after breast cancer surgery did not significantly improve somatosensory functioning compared to traditional biomedical pain education over an 18-month period.

The results suggest that while PNE addresses pain from multiple perspectives, it may not be universally effective, indicating a need for future research to identify which patients could benefit most from this type of education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of pain neuroscience education on somatosensory functioning after surgery for breast cancer: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Dams, L., Van der Gucht, E., Haenen, V., et al.[2023]

A creative therapeutic exercise program, including supervised group dance sessions, has been integrated into the preoperative and postoperative care for breast cancer patients since 1982, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy in their recovery.

This approach not only addresses the physical rehabilitation needs but also supports emotional well-being, helping patients adjust to changes in body image and fostering a positive attitude through shared experiences in a supportive group setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical therapy and dance in the surgical management of breast cancer. A clinical report. Molinaro, J., Kleinfeld, M., Lebed, S.[2019]

A pilot study involving 54 women recovering from breast cancer showed that a 32-hour dance program significantly improved various health measures, including weight, fitness levels, and quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from intermediate to large.

The positive changes in physical and emotional well-being suggest that dance can be a valuable rehabilitation option for women post-breast cancer treatment, highlighting the need for further collaborative research across countries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dancing With Health: Quality of Life and Physical Improvements From an EU Collaborative Dance Programme With Women Following Breast Cancer Treatment. Karkou, V., Dudley-Swarbrick, I., Starkey, J., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bach to the Basics: Implementation and Impact of a Postoperative, Inpatient Personalized Music Program for Older Adults. [2020]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of Preoperative, Postsurgical, Acute and Chronic Pain in High Risk Breast Cancer Patients. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of pain neuroscience education after breast cancer surgery on pain, physical, and emotional functioning: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (EduCan trial). [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk factors for acute pain and its persistence following breast cancer surgery. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of pain neuroscience education on somatosensory functioning after surgery for breast cancer: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The influence of 12-week dance intervention on sleep quality and pain among women with breast cancer - Pilot study of a non-randomized clinical trial. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance and movement program improves quality-of-life measures in breast cancer survivors. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical therapy and dance in the surgical management of breast cancer. A clinical report. [2019]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dancing With Health: Quality of Life and Physical Improvements From an EU Collaborative Dance Programme With Women Following Breast Cancer Treatment. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong Mind-Body Exercise as a Biopsychosocial Therapy for Persistent Post-Surgical Pain in Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study. [2020]