Aging & Sports

Abstract

Background: Young adult cancer survivors frequently suffer from fatigue, depressive symptoms, and impaired quality of life. Ocean-sailing with its specific challenges could have beneficial effects on the physical and mental well-being of this patient group.Methods: 28 cancer patients (18 to 40 years) embarked on an 8 to 13-day ocean sailing trip requiring physical exertion. Quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), fatigue (FSS), social support (ESSI), and physical activity (BSA) were assessed before the sailing trip and 1, 3 and 6 months thereafter.Results: Depressive symptoms improved from baseline (median 8, IQR [4.3; 10]) to 1 month after sailing (median 5.5, IQR [3.3; 7.5]; p < 0.01), as did the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales global health status (from 62.5 [35.4; 66.7] to 75 [52.1; 83.3]; p < 0.01), emotional function (from 50 [25; 66.7] to 75 [50; 87.5]; p < 0.001), and appetite loss (from 0 [0; 33.3] to 0 [0; 0]; p < 0.05). Global health status was still improved after 3 months (66.7 [58.3; 83.3]; p < 0.05). Leisure time physical activity (min/week) decreased from baseline (346.3 [202.4; 653.1]) to 6 months (220.6 [130.6; 421.9]; p < 0.05).Conclusion: Ocean sailing was associated with short-term improvements in quality of life, emotional function, and depressive symptoms, while leisure time physical activity decreased. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify the causal role of ocean sailing for the observed improvements.Key Words: Cancer Survivors, Emotional Well-Being, Depressive Symptoms, General Life Satisfaction