There is increasing interest in the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic lymphoedema. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain whether or not complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) for 57 gynecological cancer patients with unilateral lymphedema results in a measurable change in the oedema and QOL, and % excess volume correlated with change in QOL. % excess volume was significantly (P<0.05) decreased after CDP. The QOL scores were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the scores at baseline, indicating an improvement in the QOL. The change in % excess volume was associated with a change in physical functioning, social functioning, role-physical, bodily pain and general health at baseline and 1 month (P<0.05). This study suggests that significant improvements are made in the QOL of gynecological cancer patients with unilateral lymphoedema after CDP, which is necessarily correlated with limb reduction.

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horseback riding simulator exercise on postural balance of chronic stroke patients.[Subjects] A total of 67 stroke patients were assigned either to a horseback riding simulator exercise group (HEG, n=34) or a mat exercise group (MEG, n=33).[Methods] The subjects exercised three times per week for 8 weeks. Static balance ability was determined by eyes open balance (EOB) and eyes closed balance (ECB), which was measured using a Kinesthetic Ability Trainer Balance system. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Berg balance scale (BBS).[Results] EOB and ECB significantly decreased and BBS had significantly increased after the intervention in the HEG and the MEG, and ECB decreased and BBS increased significantly more in the HEG than in the MEG.[Conclusion] Horseback riding simulator exercise is more effective than mat exercise for improving the ECB and BBS of stroke patients.