A graphic Art Course for Cancer Patients and Changes in Regulatory Function of the Autonomous Nervous System

Eva azzotti, Claudia Sebastiani, Antonio Facchiano, Roberto Bartoletti, Gian Carlo Antonini Cappellini, Alessandro Scoppola, Davide Cecilia, Paolo Marchetti

Abstract


AIM: Non-pharmacological support to cancer patients is a growing need. The aim of this study was to investigated the objective and subjective patients’ responses to a 12-week graphic art course. Methods: Participants were 20 women in treatment for cancer, mean age 54 years (SD 9.07); 13 of them participated at the course. Objective measures (i.e., heart rate) were obtained by instrumental measurements; validated self administered questionnaires were used to measure psychological distress. Assessments were done at baseline, and at the end of the course. Some questionnaires were administered also 6-months-after. Results: Comparing the measures at baseline with those at the first follow-up, improvements were noted, among participants, in Total Power (d=1.49), and in Hearth Rate (d=1.14); there were a reduction in sleep problems of 43% at T1, and of 74% more six months later (T0= 54%; T1= 31%; T2= 8%); 23% of patients presented emotional distress at baseline, and 8% at T1, and 0 at T2. Among non participants the quality of sleep, Total Power, Hearth Rate, and emotional distress scores remained stable. A large effect size was noted in the SNS/PNS rate that decreased from baseline to T1 (d=0.73). Conclusions: These preliminary results support the hypothesis that non-pharmacological treatment may improve subjective and objective health variables.

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