Urinary incontinence in competitive women powerlifters: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life, participation in sport and athletic performance. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of UI in competitive women powerlifters; identify possible risk factors and activities likely to provoke UI; and establish self-care practices. Methods: This international cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey completed by 480 competitive women powerlifters aged between 20 and 71 years. The Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) was used to determine the severity of UI. Results: We found that 43.9% of women had experienced UI within the three months prior to this study. The deadlift was the most likely, and the bench-press the least likely exercise to provoke UI. ISI scores were positively correlated with parity (τ = 0.227, p < 0.001), age (τ = 0.179, p < 0.001), competition total (τ = 0.105, p = 0.002) and body mass index score (τ = 0.089, p = 0.009). There was no significant correlation between ISI and years strength training (τ = − 0.052, p = 0.147) or years powerlifting (τ = 0.041, p = 0.275). There was a negative correlation between ISI score with having a pelvic floor assessment (η = 0.197), and the ability to correctly perform pelvic floor exercises (η = 0.172). Conclusion: The prevalence of UI in this cohort was at the upper limit experienced by women in the general population. Women who had undergone a pelvic floor examination or were confident in correctly performing pelvic floor exercises experienced less severe UI

The energy-enhancing potential of participatory performance-based arts activities in the care of people with a diagnosis of cancer: an integrative review

Background: Cancer in all its forms and stages is accompanied by a range of emotional, social and spiritual impacts. Pharmacological interventions have limited success with these issues and a range of interventions are needed to support people with a cancer diagnosis. We seek to understand the benefits of participatory performance-based arts activities, such as music, singing, drama and dance, in the care of people with cancer. We use the emerging Energy Restoration Framework, based on Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory to explore the potentially energy-enhancing aspects of participation in such activities. Methods: An integrative review is used to explore existing research on the use of participatory performance-based arts in cancer care. Existing research is summarized and critically appraised. Results are analysed thematically and mapped to the attributes of the Energy Restoration Framework. Results: Eight studies (four qualitative, three quantitative and one mixed-methods study) published between 2001 and 2016 met the search criteria. Findings from the thematic analysis resonated with the attributes of the Energy Restoration Framework. Conclusions: Research on the topic is very limited. When examined through the lens of the Energy Restoration Framework, the literature hints at the potential value of participatory performance-based arts activities for enhancing energy in the cancer care context

Art in cancer care: Exploring the role of visual art-making programs within an Energy Restoration Framework

Purpose In contrast to art-therapy, little is known about the role of art-making for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and even less is known about program-based art-making. This study explored the experience of participation in a visual art-making program for people during and after cancer treatment in the Northern Territory of Australia. Method A longitudinal, qualitative, single cohort study was undertaken. Eight women diagnosed with breast and/or ovarian cancer participated in weekly art-making sessions over eight weeks, facilitated by two professional artists. Data were collected before, during and after the sessions by interviews and group discussions. The Energy Restoration Framework was used to document and analyse the benefits of participation in terms of the a priori themes of: Expansive, Belonging, Nurturing and Purposeful. Results The four a priori themes were retained and an additional attribute of an energy restoration activity called Stimulating was added, along with sub-themes, which broadened and deepened understanding of the art-making experience within cancer care. Conclusions Involvement in an activity that was expansive, new, beautiful and fascinating was highly valued in addition to the appreciation for being with and belonging to a supportive and accepting group facilitated by dynamic artists. There is much scope for continued research and promotion of art-making programs as an adjunct to cancer treatment

“You feel different in your body”: Experiences of fatigue among children undergoing radiotherapy for cancer treatment

Purpose: The aim of this research is to examine the experience and impact of radiotherapy related fatigue in children diagnosed with solid tumours. Design and methods: Children (n = 25) and parents (n = 19) participated in a semi-structured interview on the last week of radiotherapy treatment. The study sample included children who were 6 to 14 years of age, diagnosed with brain or solid tumour, and received radiotherapy as part of their treatment protocol over the period of 6 weeks. Interpretation of data was undertaken through the adoption of thematic analysis approach. Results: Data revealed children's experience and response to fatigue while undergoing radiotherapy. Several recurring themes arose about their experience of fatigue/tiredness while undergoing radiotherapy. Two themes and eight sub themes, namely ‘Experience of Fatigue’ (“You feel Different in your body”, Mood and Feeling, Activity and Occurrence) and ‘Response to Fatigue’ (Rest and Sleep, Activity, Mood and Concentration and Eating Habit) were identified. Conclusions: The findings illustrated significant fatigue on activity sleep, rest and mood of children undergoing radiotherapy. Practice implications: Monitoring and addressing fatigue and its consequences during radiotherapy treatment are essential to improve well-being of children with cancer