Background: Breast cancer has the highest rate among women (25%). Cancer patients are in need of specialists contributing to better their health status and quality of life. These patients show physiological and psychological signs of deep vulnerability entering into a vicious circle of subtle and quiet suffering, lowering the quality of life. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) could increase their level of fitness and psychological wellbeing. Participants: 30 breast cancer survivors, (aged 40-50 yrs) with therapeutic treatment concluded at least six month previously Intervention: 32 EAT treatments for each patient in four months (two hours of activity per week) Assessments: Before and after 16 weeks of EAT and at 3 and 6 months after training: Physiological (VO2max, Strenght of principal muscular groups and Body Composition) and Psychological (Quality of Life and Profile of Mood State) parameters. Hypothesis/outcomes: • Physiological and Psychological parameters could be improved after 32 EAT, significantly enhancing quality of life of breast cancer survivors.. Potential impact of this study: To provide scientific evidence to the important role that horse can play in the rehabilitation process of breast cancer survivors. The results of this study could show a new way of rehabilitation after cancer in a non-medical environment.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study
Cerulli C;Minganti C;Tranchita E;Quaranta F;Parisi A
2014-01-01
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer has the highest rate among women (25%). Cancer patients are in need of specialists contributing to better their health status and quality of life. These patients show physiological and psychological signs of deep vulnerability entering into a vicious circle of subtle and quiet suffering, lowering the quality of life. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) could increase their level of fitness and psychological wellbeing. Participants: 30 breast cancer survivors, (aged 40-50 yrs) with therapeutic treatment concluded at least six month previously Intervention: 32 EAT treatments for each patient in four months (two hours of activity per week) Assessments: Before and after 16 weeks of EAT and at 3 and 6 months after training: Physiological (VO2max, Strenght of principal muscular groups and Body Composition) and Psychological (Quality of Life and Profile of Mood State) parameters. Hypothesis/outcomes: • Physiological and Psychological parameters could be improved after 32 EAT, significantly enhancing quality of life of breast cancer survivors.. Potential impact of this study: To provide scientific evidence to the important role that horse can play in the rehabilitation process of breast cancer survivors. The results of this study could show a new way of rehabilitation after cancer in a non-medical environment.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
