The effect of relaxation techniques on edema, anxiety and depression in post-mastectomy lymphedema patients undergoing comprehensive decongestive therapy: A clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectivesLymphedema is sometimes accompanied by high degrees of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the effects of relaxation techniques on the level of edema, anxiety and depression in women undergoing Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT).DesignThis clinical trial compared two treatment methods in 31 women with post-mastectomy lymphedema, including 15 cases who received CDT and 16 who received RCDT (Relaxation plus CDT). The edema volume, anxiety and depression scores were compared at the first and last sessions of the first phase of the treatment and six weeks afterwards.ResultsThe edema, anxiety and depression scores were 63.6%, 54.1% and 65.5% in the RCDT group and 60.7%, 31.4% and 35.2% in the CDT group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the reduction in depression (p = 0.024) and anxiety (p = 0.011) scores throughout the study. This significant relationship was due to the differences in the depression score in the 3rd and 9th weeks of the study between the two groups. Similarly, anxiety levels differed significantly between the two groups at the 9th week of the study (P = 0.013).ConclusionRelaxation techniques reduced the anxiety and depression scores and the volume of edema in the patients with lymphedema. The addition of this intervention to the therapeutic package for lymphedema patients requires further studies in terms of cost-effectiveness.

The effects of the combined exercise intervention based on internet and social media software (CEIBISMS) on quality of life, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients:a randomized controlled trial

“…Since the sense of fatigue is common among postoperative survivors of BC [32,33], the improvement of vitality has important implications for the enhancement of their QOL [34][35][36]. Patients with BC usually have psychosocial problems due to illness and disability caused by the surgery [37,38]. The results of the research on the index of mental health indicated that internet-based diversified exercise interventions can improve the psychological aspects of BC patients.…”

Long‐Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care

“…59 Yoga and Pilates exercises have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in shoulder and neck mobility while improving quality of life, mood, and body image. 17,65,66 Yoga had a moderately positive effect on improved sleep and reduction of fatigue. In some studies, yoga was more effective for reducing depression and anxiety than psychosocial treatment.…”

“…Yoga had a moderately positive effect on improved sleep and reduction of fatigue. In some studies, yoga was more effective for reducing depression and anxiety than psychosocial treatment …”

“…Lifestyle changes incorporating mindfulness, spiritual support, and yoga improve emotions and feelings of well‐being, decrease anxiety regarding risk of recurrence, and may help mediate posttraumatic stress syndrome . Relaxation techniques along with congestive treatment showed significant improvement in the relief of depression and anxiety, in addition to reduced edema, improved arm flexibility, improved mood, and quality of life . Meditation results in improved quality of life, emotional and social functioning, global health, and body image and reductions in fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, arm symptoms, and breast symptoms, as well as a reduction in symptoms from breast cancer treatment …”

“…In some studies, yoga was more effective for reducing depression and anxiety than psychosocial treatment. 65,66…”