FREE DANCE RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL FOR WOMEN UNDERGOING BREAST CANCER SURGERY

Objective: to analyze the effect of a free dance protocol (pre and post 12-week intervention) on depressive symptoms, body image and sexual function in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: a randomized clinical trial, composed of 24 women undergoing surgery after the diagnosis of breast cancer, who were randomized into two groups: Free dance Intervention Group and Control Group. The free dance group received the intervention twice a week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks. The control group maintained their routine activities during the 12 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the 12 weeks of intervention. Outcomes evaluated were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Questionnaire - BDI), body image (Body Image after Breast Cancer questionnaire) and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire). Results: Body image showed a significant intragroup difference in free dance in the vulnerability domain (p=0.031), significant intergroup difference in the limitation domain (p=0.045) and concern with the body (p=0.035). Sexual function showed a significant intragroup difference in free dance in the desired domain (p=0.031) and a significant intragroup difference in the control group in the lubrication domain (p=0.021), however in a negative way. No differences were found for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The practice of free dancing showed a positive effect, even if small, on body image and a negative effect on sexual function in women undergoing breast cancer surgery.