Physical Therapy Enhances Functions and Quality of Life in Older Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Abstract

Background: Lymphedema of the arm is one of the most common complications following breast cancer surgery. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complex decongestive physical therapy (CDPt) on upper extremity functions, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QoL), and secondly the effects of the degree of lymphedema on post-treatment differences in older patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Subjects and Methods: Sixty-eight patients who had BCRL were included between 2015 and 2017. Arm function was evaluated with the Constant-Murley scale, while ADL was measured with the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and QoL was measured with the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire as pre- and post-treatment tests. The patients underwent a CDPt program for 6 weeks. Results: There were statistically significant improvements for all outcome measurements in older patients with Grade 1 and 2 lymphedemas after the treatment (P < 0.001). The Grade 1 patients had a greater difference at mobility, participation in the life and social activities, and their total scores of quality of life had a significance level of P < 0.001. Conclusion: Older patients with Grade 1 BCRL had better mobility, participation in the life, and social activities. CDPt provides enhancement of arm functions, ADL, and QoL in older patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Comparing and Analyzing the Physical and Functional Concerns of Post Breast Cancer Surgery Patients Who Received Physical Therapy for Lymphedema After Surgery to Those Who Did Not Receive Physical Therapy After Surgery

“…Complex decongestive physical therapy is the gold standard for treating lymphedema [5]. Complex decongestive physical therapy includes manual lymphatic drainage therapy, skincare, therapeutic exercises, and compression [5].…”

“…Complex decongestive physical therapy is the gold standard for treating lymphedema [5]. Complex decongestive physical therapy includes manual lymphatic drainage therapy, skincare, therapeutic exercises, and compression [5]. The Faculty of Health Sciences at Bezmialem Vakif University examined the effectiveness of complex decongestive physical therapy for breast cancer surgery patients with reduced range of motion and diminished strength [5].…”

“…Complex decongestive physical therapy includes manual lymphatic drainage therapy, skincare, therapeutic exercises, and compression [5]. The Faculty of Health Sciences at Bezmialem Vakif University examined the effectiveness of complex decongestive physical therapy for breast cancer surgery patients with reduced range of motion and diminished strength [5]. Sixty-eight patients with lymphedema caused by breast cancer participated in the study.…”

Development of a Mobile-Based Self-care Application for Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Iran

“…4 Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and debilitating complication and one of the most common side effects of breast cancer treatment, which results from the fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissue due to damage to the lymphatic system following surgery, radiography, or tumor. [12][13][14][15] Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) symptoms impose high costs on patients and increase their distress, reduce the quality of life (QOL), and lead to disability. 16 More than one-fifth of women who survive breast cancer develop lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, affecting more than 40% of the three million breast cancer survivors in the United States.…”

Intensive Treatment for Upper Limb Lymphedema

“…A meta-analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials showed that MLD does not significantly reduce or prevent lymphedema in patients with BCRL [8,9]. In terms of treatment, a combination of therapies have been used for decades and involves manual lymphatic drainage, exercises, compression mechanisms and hygienic care [10,11]. In recent years, Godoy & Godoy developed novel concepts and techniques for the treatment of lymphedema, proposing clinical normalization or near normalization even in cases of elephantiasis [12].…”