The influence of Tai Chi (TC) and support therapy (ST) on fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer (BC). K. M. Mustian, J. A. Katula, J. Roscoe, G. Morrow; University of Rochester Cancer Center, Rochester, NY; University of Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, NC Abstract: Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is reported in up to 99% of BC patients, with 60% rating their CRF as moderate to severe, and 30% experiencing persistent fatigue 2 or more years after acute treatments. CRF has a detrimental effect on QOL and results in greater reductions in functional capacity among BC patients compared to healthy controls. Although there is no standard treatment for CRF, physical exercise has demonstrated a consistent positive influence on CRF and QOL. However, it is not clear how TC, a form of physical exercise, influences CRF, specifically persistent CRF. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of TC and ST for reducing CRF and enhancing QOL in women with BC. Methods: Women with BC (N=21; mean age=52; 1wk-2.5yrs post-chemotherapy/radiation) were randomized to a 12wk (3x/wk; 60min) TC or ST intervention. Participants completed self-report assessments of CRF and QOL (FACIT-F) at baseline, 6wks and 12wks. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed a significant time main effect for QOL (F1,19=7.7, p<.05), and approached significance for fatigue (F1,19=2.8, p=.07). Although there were no significant condition or interaction effects, simple change scores revealed improvements in the TC condition on fatigue from baseline to 6wks (mean=10.8, SD=9.5) and baseline to 12wks (mean=7.0, SD=9.2), as well as QOL from baseline to 6wks (mean=3.4, SD=16.8) and baseline to 12wks (mean=14.2, SD=20.2). Among the ST condition, fatigue improved from baseline to 6wks (mean=4.2, SD=7.5), however, fatigue increased from baseline to 12wks (mean=-.20, SD=7.4), and QOL decreased from baseline to 6wks (mean=-5.7, SD=11.6) and baseline to 12wks (mean=-.48, SD=14.1). Conclusions: TC resulted in positive changes in CRF and QOL from baseline to 6wks and 12wks, while ST only improved CRF from baseline to 6wks and did not improve QOL. Funded by Susan Stout and Sally Schindel Cone Grants Abstract No: 8143 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.