Showing papers by "Karin Johansson published in 2014"

A Home-Based Weight Lifting Program for Patients with Arm Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Abstract: It is well documented that resistance exercise can be performed by patients with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 12-week self-administered weight lifting program for arm and shoulder, and its influence on arm lymphedema status, upper extremity muscle strength, and disability. Twenty-three patients with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema performed the program 3 times/week. The weight resistance levels were individually adjusted for shoulder flexion and adduction, and elbow extension and flexion corresponding to a repetition range of 8-12 repetition maximum. A log book was used to evaluate adherence to the program, wearing of compression sleeve and perceived exertion. Measurements were performed before a 2-week control period without intervention, and before and after intervention, and with arm volume measurements every fortnight to check for adverse events. Results revealed no significant changes during the control period. Adherence to the intervention program was excellent, and two adverse events were registered during the first weeks. After intervention, an increase of shoulder and arm strength (measured by an isometric muscle strength device) was found in all exercises (p = 0.001-0.003). A reduction of excess volume was shown, in ml (p = 0.03) and percentage (p = 0.005), measured by water displacement method. A tendency towards reduction (p = 0.07) of fat tissue in the upper arm (n = 10) in both arms was found measured by MRI. In this pilot study, we concluded that a home-based weight-lifting program performed by patients with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema is feasible and safe providing that the program includes regular follow-up for safety.

The effects of pole walking on arm lymphedema and cardiovascular fitness in women treated for breast cancer: A pilot and feasibility study

Abstract: The benefit of exercise for breast cancer-treated women is well documented. However, studies of cardiovascular fitness training for women with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema are rare. The pur...

Choral Singing: Histories and Practices

Abstract: Choral practice can be seen as a field of simultaneous (re)presentation, (re)production and (re)creation. These three aspects and discourses interact on both collective and individual levels. They bring to the fore questions about how the collective voice represents societal development and change at the same time as it is conceived as an individual source of entertainment, relaxation or the experience of fine art. This anthology combines articles from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. It includes a selection of papers held at the International Conference on the Concepts and Practices of Choral Singing which was held in Lund, Sweden, in October 2012. Thematically, these cover relevant choral topics from the 19th century until today. This is usually regarded as the time scope during which the secular choral practice of today has developed. However, some written sources bear witness of choral practices that can be traced back to the times of antique tragedy. (Less)

The Body Image and Relationship Scale: A Swedish translation, cultural adaptation, and reliability and validity testing

Abstract: Purpose. Testing a newly developed Swedish version of the Body Image and Relationship Scale (BIRS) for test–retest reliability, convergent validity and inter-item analysis in a Swedish context for breast cancer survivors. Methods. A Swedish BIRS version, translation involving the input of experts and breast cancer survivors, with 41 items (BIRS-S) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) were sent to a sample of 100 breast cancer survivors, mean age 61.7 years, diagnosed with breast cancer 20–42 months prior to the study. Retest was completed within 2–3 weeks. Results. 71 persons completed both dispatches. Reliability using Cronbach's alpha for the BIRS-S total was satisfactory 0.96 (range 0.87–0.93 for the three subscales). Intra-class correlation for the three subscales ranged between 0.88 to 0.93 revealing test–retest to be satisfactory. Convergent validity between the BIRS-S and SF-36 Physical Composite Score was − 0.68 for BIRS-S total. Convergent validity between the BIRS-S and SF-36 Mental Composite S...

Contemporary Concepts and Practices of Choral Singing

Abstract: Choir singing is becoming increasingly important as a meeting point for cultural practices and for transcending national and cultural boundaries. This introductory chapter discusses the collective ...

Collaborative music making and artistic agency

Abstract: The focus of this chapter is on musical agency in professional contexts and in Higher Music Education (HME) What is musical agency? How can musical agency be investigated, promoted, and developed? Cultural-historical activity theory approaches hold a potential for exploring and answering such questions with a dialectical perspective on creativity Three examples of interventionist studies from a one-to-one teaching situation, a professional improvisation project, and a student string quartet are given They illustrate how individual musical acts influence and transform collective music making Methodological conclusions are drawn and suggestions are made for the development of intervention studies of musical practice inspired by Change Laboratory methodology (Less)