Mindfulness-Based Movement.

Author: Lucas AR1, Klepin HD1, Porges SW2, Rejeski WJ3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>1 Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. <sup>2</sup>2 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. <sup>3</sup>3 Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Conference/Journal: Integr Cancer Ther.
Date published: 2016 Dec 1
Other: Volume ID: 1534735416682087 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/1534735416682087. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 158


Compelling evidence suggests that physical activity is an effective intervention for cancer survivors, including for those undergoing active cancer treatments. However, to date most evidence has emerged from interventions that have promoted moderate to vigorous physical activity. In this conceptual review, we argue that attention should be given to the entire continuum of physical activity from reducing sedentary behavior to increasing higher levels of physical activity when possible. In addition, considerable evidence in the cancer literature supports the value of mindfulness-based interventions as a means of helping patients and survivors cope with the variety of threats that accompany this disease. Based on the success of these two areas of research, we argue for conceptualizing and promoting physical activity as Mindfulness-Based Movement, using Polyvagal Theory as a theoretical framework to understand the role and value of Mindfulness-Based Movement as a potential intervention for cancer care and control.

KEYWORDS: cancer survivorship; mindfulness; physical activity; polyvagal theory; sedentary behavior

PMID: 28345362 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416682087