Keep calm and keep rowing: the psychophysical effects of a dragon boat program in breast cancer women survivors

Dragon Boat (DB) is a discipline that has become more popular in the last few years among women with breast cancer thanks to its psychophysical benefits. The present randomized control trial aims to depict the effects of a DB program on body composition, physical function, and some psychosocial aspects. METHODS: Thirty-two women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer and consequent removal surgery were recruited and randomized into two groups. Eighteen subjects were included in the Dragon Boat group (DB), while the others were collocated in the control one (CG) following a home-based non-supervised training program. All participants were tested at baseline and after 12 weeks of the exercise program and body composition, handgrip, 30 seconds chair stand test, 6 minutes walking test, and shoulder mobility were assessed. Participants also filled out the BAS-2, PFS, and SF-12 self-report questionnaires and cooperation scale. RESULTS: After 12 weeks no changes in body composition were found in any groups. In the DB group there was a significant improvement in the 6-min walk test (+6%; p = 0.11) and in the 30-s chair stand test (+30%; p = 0.11) compared to CG. No significant effects were found in the psychological questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The proposal of Dragon Boat is a safe protocol for women who have been operated on for breast cancer since there was no evidence of lymphoedema. The present study highlights that 12 weeks of DB activity can improve aerobic capacity and lower limb strength which are two important outcomes correlated with a higher life expectancy. According to recent studies, we hypothesized that to produce significant changes related to the upper limb, well-being perceived, and the appreciation of one’s own body, longer periods of constant exercise may be needed.