The addition of RMT to chest physiotherapy after pulmonary resection can have positive effects on respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and length of hospital stay.
[Purpose] Breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema is known to cause physical,
functional and psychological impairments in women after modified radical mastectomy. The
aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phase I Complex Decongestive
Physiotherapy (CDP) on physical functions and depression levels in women with breast
cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-eight subjects
with breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema were the subjects of this study.
The arm circumference, shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and depression
levels of the subjects were assessed before and after phase I CDP treatment. [Results]
After phase I CDP, there was a statistically significant reduction in circumference
measurements at all levels of the affected arm. There was not any statistically
significant difference in muscle strength after CDP. The shoulder ROM improved after
treatment. There was a significant reduction in the Beck Depression Inventory score. A
significant positive correlation was found between depression levels and circumference
measurement. [Conclusion] Based on the results we suggest that by reducing limb volume,
beside improving physical functions, phase I CDP can affect psychological status,
especially depression which is very common in women with breast cancer-related upper
extremity lymph edema.
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