The difference is more than floating: factors affecting breast cancer survivors’ decisions to join and maintain participation in dragon boat teams and support groups

Abstract

While neither type of program meets all needs, practical considerations are identified for incorporating advantages of both programs to improve participation. Implications for rehabilitation Further understanding of perceptions, and attractions and challenges to taking part in group programs will inform development of accessible programs that target multiple rehabilitation needs. Physical activity can provide a positive, alternative focus that takes the emphasis off of cancer, which is more accessible to some survivors. Physical activity also provides opportunities to build relationships around a common, positive goal, which can be a foundation for providing support for coping with cancer.

Tailored Sailing Experience to Reduce Psychological Distress and Improve the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Survey-Based Pilot Study

“…In this pilot study, we provide the first direct evidence that a one week tailored crew sailing experience can significantly ameliorate the QoL and PD of BC survivors. On the basis of these encouraging observations, it can be speculated that sailing practice may positively impact on the psychological well-being of BC survivors, as previously reported for the practice of dragon boating [9,10,30,31]. In particular, it is important to consider that this tailored sailing intervention had peculiar characteristics as it was a group intervention, it took place in a naturalistic outdoor place (i.e., the sea of Sardinia) far from a care center, and the proposed sporting activity was motivated and facilitated by a multidisciplinary team.…”

“…In particular, there is evidence that participation in team sports rather than individual activities may be associated with better health outcomes, due to the social nature of the participation [7,8]. At present, research exploring the relationship between the team-based physical/sporting activities and the QoL of BC survivors is limited to dragon boat racing [9,10]. In addition, Tai Chi and Qigong, which are two increasingly popular mind-body interventions typically delivered in groups, have been shown to provide multiple physical and psychosocial benefits for cancer survivors [11].…”

Rowing Training in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Study of Physical Fitness

“…Modalities such as yoga and pilates also provide beneficial results in joint mobility, muscle strength and quality of life [20,23,27]. Finally, several studies on the effects of dragon boat training programs on breast cancer survivors have identified improvements in joint mobility ranges [38], strength in different body segments [38,39] and quality of life [40][41][42].…”

“…For this reason, we believe that our study may represent an important advance in the prescription of healthy exercise for breast cancer survivors. Several studies have been conducted on dragon boat training and breast cancer [42,[46][47][48][49], although a brief biomechanical analysis reveals that this is an asymmetric sport requiring compensatory effort and a series of difficult movements that are not recommended in this population. In contrast, rowing is a comprehensive sport that develops the lower, upper, front, back, right and left sides of the body in almost identical proportions, since the movement is symmetrical.…”

What can a third sector organisation provide for people with breast cancer that public health services cannot? Developing support services in response to service evaluation

“…Meeting and sharing experiences with others in the same situation was also considered important by participants. Such peer support may be helpful in rehabilitation from the disease [28].…”