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

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.