Effectiveness of Integrated Mindfulness-Based Fitness Training Program in Ameliorating Physical Symptoms and Survivor Concerns in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program in addressing overactive bladder, fear of cancer recurrence, and female sexual function in patients with breast cancer.
Results Summary
The MBFT program showed no significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms but significantly reduced fear of cancer recurrence and improved sexual function, including sexual desire and overall satisfaction.
Population
Patients with breast cancer
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | no change | overactive bladder symptoms | patients with breast cancer | - | no significant improvement | #1 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | decrease | survivor concerns for items related to future diagnostic tests | patients with breast cancer | - | significant differences were observed | #2 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | decrease | survivor concerns for items related to another type of cancer | patients with breast cancer | - | significant differences were observed | #3 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | decrease | survivor concerns for items related to cancer coming back | patients with breast cancer | - | significant differences were observed | #4 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | decrease | survivor concerns for items related to dying | patients with breast cancer | - | significant differences were observed | #5 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | decrease | survivor concerns for items related to my health | patients with breast cancer | - | significant differences were observed | #6 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | increase | overall sexual life satisfaction | patients with breast cancer | - | significant difference was found | #7 |
integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program | increase | sexual desire | patients with breast cancer | 2.00 vs 1.18 | significant difference was found | #8 |
Mindfulness-based fitness training interventions | decrease | fear of recurrence | patients with breast cancer | - | effective in enhancing the well-being | #9 |
Mindfulness-based fitness training interventions | increase | sexual function | patients with breast cancer | - | effective in enhancing the well-being | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Patients with breast cancer typically experience both mental and physical distress after aggressive treatments. Some studies have explored the use of integrated interventions, such as mindfulness-based or exercise-based approaches, to reduce these symptoms. However, the results of these studies have been conflicting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program in addressing overactive bladder, fear of cancer recurrence, and female sexual function in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Fifty patients with breast cancer were either assigned to an 8-week MBFT group or a waitlist control group. The postintervention and preintervention scores were compared using descriptive analysis of the data set, as well as paired and independent t tests. RESULTS: There was no significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms. Significant differences were observed in survivor concerns for items related to future diagnostic tests ( t = 2.667, P = .024; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.120-1.335), another type of cancer ( t = 2.667, P = .024; 95% CI, 0.120-1.335), cancer coming back ( t = 4.183, P = .002; 95% CI, 0.297-0.975), dying ( t = 2.609, P = .026; 95% CI, 0.093-1.180), and my health ( t = 2.887, P = .016; 95% CI, 0.104-0.805). A significant difference was found in the item measuring overall sexual life satisfaction ( t = -3.162, P = .013) and sexual desire (MBFT vs waitlist control group, 2.00 vs 1.18; P = .023). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based fitness training interventions were effective in enhancing the well-being of patients with breast cancer by reducing fear of recurrence and enhancing sexual function. These findings support the use of MBFT as complementary therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare providers should carefully assess the individual needs and preferences of each patient and tailor interventions accordingly. In addition, integrating multiple approaches may be more effective in reducing distress.