Do, J.H., Kim, W., Cho, Y.K., Lee, J., Song, E.J., Chun, Y.M., & Jeon, J.Y. (2015). Effects of resistance exercises and complex decongestive therapy on arm function and muscular strength in breast cancer related lymphedema. Lymphology, 48, 184–196. Retrieved from https://journals.uair.arizona.edu/index.php/lymph/article/view/18835
To examine the effects of adding resistance exercise to complete decongestive therapy (CDT) on arm volume, function, strength, and quality of life
Patients were randomized to intervention and control groups. The control group received CDT alone for one to two weeks, and those with severe lymphedema also had bandaging. The intervention received the same CDT, as well as exercise using resistance bands. Resistance exercises included isolated shoulder movements five times per week for eight weeks with three sets of 10 repetitions of exercises. Study assessments were conducted at baseline and after eight weeks. Arm volume measurement was taken at two weeks.
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
Randomized, two group trial
Both groups showed improvement in quality of life scores and arm volumes with no significant differences between groups. Arm disability scores were significantly lower in the intervention group post-treatment (p = 0.001).
The addition of resistance exercise to CDT improved arm function, reduced disability, and did not have any adverse effects on arm lymphedema volume.
The findings support the addition of moderate intensity resistance exercise to CDT for the management of lymphedema. Resistance exercise was associated with improved function, less arm disability, and no adverse effects on lymphedema volume. Nurses can recommend that patients use moderate exercise of this sort. Resistance exercise can be done with resistance bands—an inexpensive and practical way to achieve this intervention.