Progressive resistance exercises to manage arm lymphedema after breast cancer
Investigating the Effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Exercise Training in the Management of Lymphedema Developing After Breast Cancer Treatment: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether a 12-week home program of progressive resistance upper-arm exercises performed with compression helps women who developed arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Adana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07448467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial that will enroll women with upper-extremity lymphedema following breast cancer treatment and allocate them to equal groups. The control group will receive usual lymphedema treatment while the exercise group will perform progressive resistance upper-extremity exercises at home twice weekly for 12 weeks, always using compression bandages. All participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention using a hand dynamometer, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale, and the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire–Arm. Eligibility is limited to women aged 18–60 who are at least 3 months post-surgery and can tolerate compression, and individuals who need to restart active cancer treatment or are within 3 months post-surgery are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–60 with upper-extremity lymphedema that developed after breast cancer treatment, at least three months after surgery, who can tolerate compression garments or bandages are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients within the first three months after surgery, those who must restart active cancer treatment during the intervention, or those who cannot tolerate compression are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve arm strength, reduce lymphedema-related symptoms, and enhance daily function and quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials of resistance exercise in breast cancer–related lymphedema have generally shown improved strength and function without worsening swelling, so this home-based approach builds on existing positive evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Being between 18 and 60 years of age. * Being included in the study 3 months after undergoing surgery. * Being able to tolerate compression bandages or compression garments. Exclusion criteria: \- Individuals who need to restart active cancer treatment during the study period. - Being within the first 3 months after surgery.
Where this trial is running
Adana
- Re-Heal Physiotherapist Sude BOYVADAOĞLU Healthy Living Center — Adana, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ömer ŞEVGİN
- Email: omer.sevgin@uskudar.edu.tr
- Phone: +905069787535
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.