September 21, 2005
NEW CLINICAL STUDY SHOWS:
Dance and Movement Program Improves Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Survivors
 
A new clinical study has found that a therapeutic dance and movement program can make a difference for breast cancer survivors.  THE LEBED METHOD, Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance (Focus on Healing) program was shown to have a significant positive effect on psychological well-being and quality of life, as well as shoulder range of motion. These findings were published in Cancer Nursing (Vol. 28, No. 4, 2005), and represent the first formal scientific study of The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing program.
 
After being treated for breast cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, women commonly face many challenges, such as depression, negative body image, and a decreased range of motion in the shoulder area. A pilot study of The Lebed Method followed 35 women who were treated for breast cancer at two cancer centers in Connecticut, and later participated in a 12-week Focus on Healing dance movement program. The study concluded that the dance movement program addressed the physical and emotional needs of women following treatment for breast cancer and “substantially improved a breast cancer–specific quality-of-life measure” among all the participants.
 
The Lebed Method was launched in 1980, and developed by Sherry Lebed Davis, a breast cancer survivor and dance movement specialist. The exercise program was developed in consultation with two physicians. Movements are simple and designed for women with no dance experience, while the sessions focus on recovery, positive expression, and celebration.
 
Sherry Lebed Davis says, “I’m delighted that we now have a further* independent scientific evidence to validate what we have known from the beginning. Breast cancer can be devastating to a woman, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Breast cancer survivors appreciate the Lebed Method program because it meets broader needs beyond physical rehabilitation.” Lebed Davis is hopeful that more women will benefit from the program, now that the study has recommended further research to examine The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing program as part of the continuum of care recommended for breast cancer survivors.
 
The Lebed Method has more than 18,000 women participating in the program, 500 certified instructors, and more than 400 participating hospitals. The Lebed Method is also run in community centers, fitness centers, and other locations in the United States, Canada, Korea and Indonesia. The program will also be expanded to England and Australia in the near future.
 
For further information please contact:

Sherry Lebed Davis/877-365-6014
info@lebedmethod.com
www.lebedmethod.com
 
* Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association Volume 66/Number 6, June 1986/Physical Therapy and Dance in the Surgical Management of Breast Cancer (Study on the Lebed Method)