Authors (including presenting author) :
Lai MK (1), Choi CY (1), Hui N (1), Wong KK (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Introduction
Cancer patients may experience stress, anxiety and depression as being diagnosed. Besides the direct effect of cancer, the treatment side effects e.g. fatigue following chemotherapy is highly prevalent and distressing symptoms. Proper coping and relaxation has shown to be beneficial to cancer patients. Self-regulation breathing practice, with self-activation of positive experience or emotions, has demonstrated positive effects on increasing cross-coherence between breathing and heart rhythms. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) coherence, the stable regular repeating heart rhythm resembling a sine wave, is associated with autonomic nervous system. Higher HRV coherence is related to increase in parasympathetic activity and increased harmony and synchronization in nervous system and heart-brain dynamics. The application of HRV technology with breathing training is a novel concept but there is limited empirical studies for its application in cancer patients. Therefore, a pilot study is conducted to establish the specific program for cancer patients and examine its efficacy.
Objectives :
Objectives
The two objectives of this study are: 1) to develop a wellness program specific for cancer patients and 2) to investigate the effectiveness of the new program on reduction of level of anxiety, stress and depression and self-perceived quality of life.
Methodology :
Methodology
A wellness program for cancer patients was developed with the application of HRV technology. The program consisted of three sessions of guided training of breathing and relaxation techniques with instant biofeedback and following self-regulation practice. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, a pre-post study design was adopted. Participants with a diagnosis of cancer recruited from September to December 2021. Pre and post assessments were conducted by an independent evaluator. Outcome measures include DASS-21, WHO-5, Mood NPRS score, Modified Borg Scale (Rating of perceived dyspnea) and Borg CR10 Scale (Rating of perceived exertion).
Result & Outcome :
Results
Seven participants with a diagnosis of cancer were recruited for this study. The mean age of the participants was 66.57 years old. 71% of the participants were male and 29% were female. All of the participants had received the initial assessments. Five of the participants (71%) completed the program and two participants (29%) dropped out because one passed away and one was discharged. After completion of the program, there is a 38% and 27% increase in scores of WHO-5 and Mood NPRS among five participants. The level of anxiety, stress and depression decreased by 32%, 52% and 21% respectively. The wellness program was also associated with positive effects in symptom management. The rate of perceived dyspnea decreased by 100% at rest and 43% during activity and the rate of perceived exertion decreased by 100% at rest and 94% during activity after training.
Conclusion
This pilot study suggested the wellness program showed preliminary positive effects in facilitating cancers patients to cope with anxiety, stress and depression and enhancing mood and quality of life. However, in view of the small sample size and the lack of a control group, further investigations on the intervention are indicated in future research.
