Abstract
Introduction: In India breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers. A major complication of breast cancer treatment is lymphedema. Exercise is crucial for reducing the severity of already-developed lymphedema. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of a structured exercise protocol- Lymphedema Prophylactic Exercise Protocol (LPEP) immediately after surgery and continuing for 12 weeks to prevent lymphedema. Methods: Total of 12 patients were included in the study. Hospitalized female participants aged between 25 to 65 years, who had undergone modified radical mastectomy were included in the study. All the patients were given structured exercises (LPEP) immediately after surgery for 12 weeks post-surgery. Primary outcome measures were the Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory (LyQOI) and Circumferential girth measurement. Secondary outcome measures were Range of motion at the shoulder joint, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B), and Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI). Result: The pre and post-values of Shoulder ROM demonstrated statistical significance for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and Internal rotation (p= 0.0022). There was no statistically significant difference for circumferential girth measurement, suggesting lymphedema prophylactic exercise protocol is feasible in terms of preventing lymphedema in the participants. The study showed statistically significant differences in pre and post-test scores of LyQLI (p=0.0033), FACT-B (p=0.0012), SPADI questionnaire(p=0.0029) Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of LPEP in post-mastectomy patients in improving shoulder ROM and lymphedema-specific quality of life, reducing shoulder pain and disability, and preventing the development of lymphedema. LPEP can be used as an effective exercise protocol for the prevention of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
