Originating in China in the fourth century BC, dragon boating has become an increasingly popular sport all over the world bringing together both corporate and community teams.
The boats are propelled by 20 paddlers kept on a 500-meter course by a steersperson and kept in sync by a drummer. There are nearly 50 million people worldwide who currently take part annually in dragon boat races.
Dragon boating was first embraced as therapy for breast cancer survivors in Vancouver, Canada in 1996. After breast cancer surgery, women are often advised to be careful about how they use the arm on their affected side to avoid lymphoedema (irreversible swelling of the arm).
But in 1996, Canadian doctor, Professor Don McKenzie decided to test this advice by forming the first breast cancer survivors dragon boat crew.
He believed that physical activity involving teamwork and paddling could provide emotional support for the women taking part but also that the repetitive and vigorous upper body exercise would help prevent lymphoedema.
Professor McKenzie was proven right:
• none of the women developed lymphoedema;
• their health and well-being improved dramatically; and
• those who started the trial with lymphoedema found that their symptoms improved.
According to Dr. McKenzie, there are reasons for everyone to exercise. “With reference to breast cancer, the data is very clear: exercise will help prevent breast cancer (primary prevention), and it will also significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and death in women with breast cancer (secondary prevention).”
“The numbers are very impressive (45-65 percent risk reduction) and then return for a modest investment in weekly activity (3 hours) is huge. Controlling your weight through exercise and nutrition is a critical issue in terms of lymphoedema and recurrence.”
