Preoperative Arm Exercises to Reduce Lymphedema and Improve Function After Breast Cancer Surgery
Official title: Effect of Preoperative Rehabilitation Exercise on Improving Postoperative Lymphedema, Quality of Life and Care Needs in Patients With Breast Cancer Surgery
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07743294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether personalized exercises before breast cancer surgery can lessen lymphedema and improve quality of life after surgery for women undergoing tumor removal with lymph node removal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 105 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Taipei and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07743294 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 20 years or older with malignant breast cancer scheduled for tumor resection plus axillary lymph node dissection who can communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese and provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not able to participate in preoperative exercises or who receive standard care may see no difference in outcomes.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study assigns participants to receive individualized preoperative upper limb rehabilitation exercises or standard nursing education before breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection. The goal is to see if pre-surgery training reduces postoperative lymphedema, preserves arm function, and improves quality of life and home care needs over seven time points up to one year. It is conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital and Cancer Center with 105 eligible adults aged 20 and older. Data will be collected pre-operation, on postoperative Day 1, Week 2, and at additional intervals to track recovery. The study uses a quasi-experimental design to compare outcomes between the experimental and control groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience less lymphedema after surgery and a smoother recovery with better arm function and daily living.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggesting preoperative rehabilitation can aid recovery supports exploration of this approach, though application to lymphedema prevention in breast cancer is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with malignant breast cancer confirmed by post-surgical tissue examination. * Receiving primary surgery, including tumor resection combined with axillary lymph node dissection. * Age 20 years or older. * Conscious, able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, aware of diagnosis, capable of completing questionnaires and participating in interventions, and signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or unaware of diagnosis, unable to complete questionnaires or correctly execute intervention measures. * Patients in the control group who independently schedule outpatient rehabilitation after returning home. * Unable to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. * Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.
Where it's running
-
National Taiwan University Hospital Cancer Center
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting -
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Meng-Ping Hsiao
- Email: A00708@ntucc.gov.tw
- Phone: +886-919865349
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.