Complete decongestive therapy is proven to be effective in reducing lymphedema related symptoms such as swelling and pain. Breathing exercises, on the other hand, may also help managing lymphedema symptoms. Deep breathing creates a pressure change in the abdomen, which creates a vacuum effect in the thoracic cavity and helps to empty the lymphatic vessels. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether addition of diaphragmatic breathing exercises to physical exercise component of complete decongestive therapy provides further benefits on lymphedema volume, pain and quality of life in patients with breast cancer related lymphedema.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Complete Decongestive Therapy will include manual lymphedema drainage (self) for 20 min everyday, skin care everyday, wearing compression garment or bandages everyday and upper-extremity exercises twice a day.
"Upper-extremity exercises" component of Complete Decongestive Therapy will be performed combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
Bezmialem Vakif University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change from baseline lymphedema volume at 6th week
Arm volume will be measured using water displacement method.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change from baseline upper extremity pain at 6th week
Visual analog scale will be used for for quantifying pain.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change from baseline quality of life at 6th week
Quality of life will be evaluated using Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphedema.
Time frame: 6 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.