Dragon boating after breast cancer: help with a study
A study exploring the physical and emotional benefits of dragon boating for women living with and beyond breast cancer.
What’s the title of the study?
Dragon Boating in Women with Breast Cancer
What’s the project about?
Dragon boating is an energetic team water sport where 10 to 20 paddlers sit in pairs inside a long, decorative boat adorned with a dragon's head and tail.
Taking part may offer physical and psychological benefits for women living with and beyond breast cancer.
This study wants to explore those benefits. To do this, the researchers need women who do not currently take part in dragon boating to join a comparison group.
Taking part will involve answering questionnaires about your wellbeing and completing some basic physical assessments. This will help researchers compare the experiences of women who do dragon boating with those who do not.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Dr Marie Mclaughlin
Job title: Teaching Fellow
Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Email address: mmclaug4@ed.ac.uk
Phone number: 07563725974
Who can take part?
You can take part if you:
Are aged over 18
Have had a breast cancer diagnosis
Finished treatment within the last 10 years
Do not currently take part in dragon boating
Why do you want me to be involved?
The researchers need women who do not currently take part in dragon boating as a comparison group.
By taking part, you’ll help researchers understand whether dragon boating may benefit women after a breast cancer diagnosis. Your involvement could also support future research into dragon boating and breast cancer.
What will you ask me to do?
You’ll be asked to attend a single session at Bridge 8 Canal Centre, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, or another preferred location.
You can choose to complete:
Questionnaires only
Physical assessments only
Or both
The questionnaires take around 30 to 45 minutes and ask about wellbeing, including fatigue, social support, anxiety, depression and functional wellbeing.
The physical assessments take around 10 minutes and include:
Handgrip strength testing
A 30-second sit-to-stand test
Shoulder movement assessment
Height and weight measurements
Body fat percentage and muscle mass measurement using a non-invasive hand-held device
The study is unfunded, so expenses are not available.
How do I get involved?
To find out more or to arrange a suitable date for your one-off visit, email Dr Marie Mclaughlin.
When’s the deadline?
14 September 2026
Get involved
Contact Dr Marie Mclaughlin to find out more.