Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effect of a water-based exercise program on lymphedema status and shoulder range of motion
among women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. DESIGN: This was a
single-blinded, randomized controlled pilot trial.
Twenty-nine eligible breast
cancer survivors (median, 10 yrs after surgery) with arm lymphedema (median, 21%
interlimb difference) were included and randomized into the intervention (n = 15)
or control (n = 14) group. Twenty-five participants completed the study. The
intervention was at least twice-weekly water-based exercise for 8 wks, initially
supervised but performed independently during the study period. Outcomes of
interest were feasibility as measured by retention and adherence; lymphedema
status as measured by optoelectronic perometry, bioimpedance spectroscopy, and
tissue dielectric constant; and shoulder range of motion as measured by
goniometer. RESULTS: Four participants were not measured at postintervention and
were not included in the analysis (retention). Four participants in the
intervention group did not perform the minimum water-based exercise criteria set
(adherence). No effect was found on lymphedema status. Compared with the control
group, median range of motion change for flexion was 6 (1-10) degrees (P < 0.001)
and 6 (0-15.5) degrees
(P = 0.07) for external rotation.
A clinically relevant
increase in the intervention group was found for 36% in flexion (P </= 0.05) and
57% in external rotation (P </= 0.05) compared with controls.
This study shows that water-based exercise is feasible for breast cancer survivors
with arm lymphedema and that shoulder range of motion can be improved years after
cancer treatment has been completed.

Langue : ANGLAIS