Effect of Therapeutic Exercise on Range of Motion for Lymphedema Reduction Post-Mastectomy

Abstract

Background: Lymphedema is known as a progressive and chronic disorder. refers to the accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space due to damage to the lymph nodes and vessels. Its types include mild, moderate, and severe lymphedema. Lymphedema can cause significant physical and psychological disability, not only due to clinical alterations but also to the adverse effects on work, home, and leisure activities.

Objectives: to assess the impact of these exercises on the range of motion, strength, and functionality of the affected limb(s) in individuals with lymphedema.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative longitudinal follow-up study design was adopted from the 5th of October 2023 until the 25th of May 2024 to conduct the objectives of the present study. Anon-probability (purposive) sample and the sample size assigned was (50) patients; out of the other participants, (4) patients were excluded from the sample. The tools consist of 5 parts, in addition to the therapeutic exercises, which consist of 8 exercises for 5 sessions.

Results: the study found the majority (26.1%) of the sample was in the age group between (46-50) years, a high proportion of stages (0,1a) and ( 1 ) rather than other stages (2,3), which do not record any change of results, lymphedema severity show (mild to moderate) change along the 3 episode of observation, finally for evaluation of upper extremity performance post-mastectomy A high percentage ranging from mild to moderate difficulty performance was recorded along the (29) items of the DASH score.

Conclusions: Most cases are in the late middle age group, obese, also breast cancer in stage(0,1A) or in stage (1); and range of motion record insufficient or limited shoulder joint rather than other joints, mild lymphedema severity record third of total cases.