Fong, S.S., Ng, S.S., Luk, W.S., Chung, J.W., Ho, J.S., Ying, M., & Ma, A.W. (2014). Effects of qigong exercise on upper limb lymphedema and blood flow in survivors of breast cancer: A pilot study. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 13, 54–61.
To investigate the effects of qigong exercises on upper extremity lymphedema, arterial resistance, and blood flow velocity in breast cancer survivors
Experimental group performed approximately six minutes of the 18 forms tai chi qigong exercises, and the control group rested.
There was an immediate circumferential decrease and blood flow resistance decrease, with increase in blood flow velocity in the experimental group. However, no girth changes between groups may indicate only temporary effects.
More rigorous randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm the effects of this exercise.
Nurses should encourage limb movement and range of motion exercises for breast cancer survivors.