Does Exercise Have a Preventive Effect on Secondary Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients Following Local Treatment - A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Secondary lymphedema (SL) is a possible side effect of breast cancer treatment. Current data describe a positive influence of exercise on upper lymphedema. This systematic review evaluates studies examining a potential preventive effect of exercise on SL incidence. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, LIVIVO, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Results: 8 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. 3 studies investigated the effect of strength training, and 5 the effect of combined exercise therapy. 5 studies included participants without lymphedema at study entry, and 3 studies included both patients with and without lymphedema. The partly significant results showed that progressive strength training as well as combined dynamic exercise therapies consisting of physiotherapy, physical therapy, and/or kinesiotherapy are safe and can prevent SL. Onset as well as diagnosis of lymphedema were significantly decreased in 5 studies in the exercise group. Conclusion: All 8 studies included indicate a potential preventive effect of exercise on SL; however, further research is needed.

Incidence and risk factors for lower limb lymphedema associated with endometrial cancer: Results from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study.

“…Higher rates of physical activity post-endometrial cancer have also been associated with reductions in all-cause mortality by 52% [40]. Further, physical activity has been linked with lower risk of lymphedema and improved management [41,42], and is crucial in the management and prevention of sarcopenia obesity [43]. Given the high rates of obesity (and likely sarcopenic obesity), comorbidities, and lymphedema identified in our sample of women with endometrial cancer, it seems plausible that physical activity intervention for all, alongside weight management for those who are overweight and obese, has significant potential for improving the lives of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.…”

Effectiveness of Lymphedema Prevention Programs With Compression Garment After Lymphatic Node Dissection in Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…The benefits of exercise in the treatment of lymphedema have been confirmed in numerous studies (10)(11)(12)(13). In patients who develop lymphedema, the use of compression garments (CG) is considered a mainstay of therapy (14).…”

Longitudinal Assessment of Physical Activity, Fitness, Body Composition, Immunological Biomarkers, and Psychological Parameters During the First Year After Diagnosis in Women With Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer: The BEGYN Study Protocol

“…Regular exercise plays an important role in the management of cancer-related fatigue ( 33 – 35 ). Clinical trials have shown that individual and patient-adapted exercise programs yield the best outcome regarding physical functioning and health among breast cancer patients ( 25 , 32 , 36 – 38 ).…”