My Body, My Rhythm, My Voice: a community dance pilot intervention engaging breast cancer survivors in physical activity in a middle-income country

BackgroundInterventions to promote physical activity among women breast cancer survivors (BCS) in low- to middle-income countries are limited. We assessed the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a theory-driven, group-based dance intervention for BCS delivered in Bogota, Colombia.MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental study employing a mixed-methods approach to assess the 8-week, 3 times/week group dance intervention. The effect of the intervention on participants' physical activity levels (measured by accelerometry), motivation to engage in physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated using generalized estimating equation analysis. The qualitative method included semi-structured interviews thematically analyzed to evaluate program acceptability.ResultsSixty-four BCS were allocated to the intervention (n = 31) or the control groups (n = 33). In the intervention arm, 84% attended >= 60% of sessions. We found increases on average minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day (intervention: +8.99 vs control: -3.7 min), and in ratings of motivation (intervention change score = 0.45, vs. control change score= -0.05). BCS reported improvements in perceived behavioral capabilities to be active, captured through the interviews.ConclusionsThe high attendance, behavioral changes, and successful delivery indicate the potential effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of the intervention for BCS in Colombia.

Automated summary

This study assessed the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a dance intervention for breast cancer survivors in Bogota, Colombia. The intervention showed positive effects on participants' physical activity levels, motivation to engage in physical activity, and quality of life.