Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the preventive effects of supervised resistance training on arms volume, quality of life, physical performance, and handgrip strength in Chilean women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) undergoing chemotherapy.DesignRandomized control trial.ParticipantsOne hundred and six women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema aged 18 to 70 years.InterventionsParticipants will be randomized into two groups: [a] intervention, who will receive 12 weeks of supervised resistance training (STRONG-B) during adjuvant chemotherapy; and [b] control, who will receive education to promote lymphatic and venous return, maintain range of motion, and promote physical activity.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome will be arms volume measured with an optoelectric device (perometer NT1000). Secondary outcomes will be quality of life, handgrip strength, and physical performance. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, just after the intervention, and 3 and 6 months after. Statistical analysis will be performed following intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. The treatment effect will be calculated using linear mixed models.DiscussionThe STRONG-B will be a tailored supervised resistance training that attempts to prevent or mitigate BCRL in a population that, due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, will commonly suffer from BCRL.Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04821609], identifier NCT04821609.
Highlights
IntroductionWhile early detection and better treatment strategies have improved overall survival [4, 5], patients often develop adverse effects such as fatigue, pain, sensory loss, impairments in shoulder range of motion and muscle strength, axillary web syndrome, and lymphedema [6–10]
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide [1–3]
breast cancer-related arm lymphedema (BCRL) is an excess accumulation of protein-rich fluid that would otherwise drain via the lymphatic system, leading to regional swelling in one or both arms after breast cancer [19, 20]
Summary
While early detection and better treatment strategies have improved overall survival [4, 5], patients often develop adverse effects such as fatigue, pain, sensory loss, impairments in shoulder range of motion and muscle strength, axillary web syndrome, and lymphedema [6–10]. These effects impair survivors’ quality of life and physical performance [11–14]. One-third of breast cancer survivors develop breast cancer-related arm lymphedema (BCRL), 80% of them closely after treatments [16–18]. BCRL is an excess accumulation of protein-rich fluid that would otherwise drain via the lymphatic system, leading to regional swelling in one or both arms after breast cancer [19, 20]. BCRL is characterized by increased arm volume associated with pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion, impacting the quality of life [23, 24]
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