2. EVALUATION HIGHLIGHTS

2.1 Go With The Flow Exercise Program

A total of 278 registrants participated in Go With The Flow: 64% had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past three years; 42% were being treated for breast cancer when they registered; 53% reported that they currently had lymphedema, 6 % that they had had lymphedema in the past, and 34% did not have lymphedema; the age of participants varied considerably, with the majority of participants in their middle aged years (46-65). Of the total registrants, 154 (55%) completed a session evaluation form:

• 93% found their instructor knowledgeable and 92% found the pace of exercise appropriate
• 60% indicated that Go With The Flow had resulted in a “lot of change” in their knowledge of how to exercise safely, and 32% indicated it had resulted in “some change”
• 77% felt they had improved their fitness level and 18% felt it had “somewhat” improved
• 79% indicated they had improved their ability to exercise safely to meet their health needs and 16% felt they had somewhat improved their ability to exercise safely

Comments from Go With The Flow participants:

“This is an important component in educating and supporting women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.”

“I am regaining my strength and flexibility and reducing my pain in a supportive environment.”

“It’s about more than lymphedema. It’s about confidence, safety, and a feeling of appropriateness and acceptance.”

“This type of class is very important to those of us with lymphedema. It focused on improving our range of motion and also on our overall posture, which is very important to our overall health.”

2.2 Training Workshops

Eleven training workshops were held with a total of 102 registrants. The majority of participants were group fitness instructors (46%), personal trainers (26%), or specialty fitness instructors (20%) (e.g.Pilates, Aqua fit, yoga) and the remainder were allied health professionals (9%). Almost three-quarters of participants reported that they had worked with clients with breast cancer. Of the 102 registrants, 90 (88%) completed a workshop evaluation form: (Top)

• All participants rated the presenter as knowledgeable and the presentation easy-to-follow and interesting
• The majority left the workshop with a basic understanding of breast cancer (79%) as well as a basic understanding of lymphedema (84%)
• 96% indicated that they could incorporate the knowledge learned into their fitness routines and 97% reported that they would share the knowledge with other fitness professionals. They also regarded the workshop’s training manual as particularly useful for reference and application

Comments from training workshop participants:

“One of the most informative and worthwhile workshops I have been to in a while. Great job!”

“I knew very little about lymphedema and this was helpful. Extremely informative.”

“I feel a little more confident to train breast cancer survivors as now I know the procedure that these
patients have to go through.” (Top)

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