Does Inclusion of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Complete Decongestive Therapy Provide Further Benefits in Patients With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from baseline lymphedema volume at 6th week
Study Overview
Brief Summary
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 Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 25 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosis of arm lymphedema after being treated for unilateral breast cancer with axillary node dissection
- •Completion of the treatments for the disease including chemotherapy and radiotherapy after breast surgery
Exclusion Criteria
- •Having recurrent cancer
- •Having cognitive disability
- •Having any concurrent diseases that may interfere with the measurement of lymphedema
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from baseline lymphedema volume at 6th week
Time Frame: 6 weeks
Arm volume will be measured using water displacement method.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change from baseline upper extremity pain at 6th week(6 weeks)
- Change from baseline quality of life at 6th week(6 weeks)
Investigators
Melih Zeren
asst. prof.
Izmir Bakircay University