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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a 12-week virtual dance program can improve pain and quality of life for individuals experiencing ongoing pain after breast cancer surgery. Participants will engage in weekly online dance classes to determine if this activity eases discomfort and enhances daily living. It suits those who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy and experience moderate to severe pain three months after completing cancer treatment. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore a non-invasive approach to managing post-surgical pain and improving quality of life.

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 prior data suggests that this dance program is safe for participants with postoperative pain?

Research has shown that dance programs can be safe and beneficial for breast cancer patients. Studies have found that dance therapy boosts quality of life, increases physical activity, and improves emotional well-being. It also helps reduce stress and fatigue. These programs are generally well-tolerated, with no major negative effects reported in studies involving dance therapy for breast cancer patients. Thus, joining a dance program offers a safe way to manage post-surgery pain and enhance overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the dance program for managing postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery because it offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to pain relief. Unlike standard options like pain medications, which can have side effects and risk of dependency, this program uses movement and music to potentially improve pain management and enhance recovery. The dance classes are virtual, making them accessible and convenient, which could lead to increased patient participation and adherence.

What evidence suggests that this dance program is effective for postoperative pain?

Research has shown that dance programs can reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery. This trial will evaluate a 12-week dance program to assess its impact on postoperative pain and quality of life. One study found that a 16-week dance program improved symptoms and well-being for breast cancer patients. Another study demonstrated that dance movement therapy enhanced both physical and mental well-being. Participants experienced less pain, increased energy, and a better overall quality of life. These findings suggest that participating in a dance program may significantly help manage post-surgery discomfort and enhance daily life. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jennifer Ligibel, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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 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 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]

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]

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This study examined the effects of a 16-week dance program on reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with breast cancer who underwent ...

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Developing and Implementing Postoperative Pain ...

This study addresses the lack of patient-centered postoperative pain management guidelines for breast cancer patients.

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