Clinical trial · Interventional
Effects of Combined Upper Extremity Exercise and Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Effects of Combined Upper Extremity Exercise and Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Prospective Single-Group Pilot Study
- Source
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Retrieved
- Sep 8, 2026
- Layer
- normalized (units and labels harmonized; values unchanged)
- Run
- ING-CLINICALTRIALS-20260908-000001
Summary
Brief summary (as posted)
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. With advances in treatment, survival rates have steadily increased; however, postoperative complications continue to affect patients' quality of life, with upper extremity lymphedema being among the most prevalent. Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) can result in arm swelling, pain, restricted mobility, and psychological distress, all of which negatively impact daily functioning and social partici pation . Previous studies have demonstrated that regular and moderate upper extremity exercise does not exacerbate lymphedema; instead, it may improve shoulder mobility, muscular strength, and contribute to edema control. In addition, therapeutic modalities such as pneumatic compression pumps and manual lymphatic drainage have been proven effective in reducing swelling and enhancing patient comfort . Recent systema tic reviews further support the beneficial effects of exercise interventions on upper limb function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, combining upper extremity exercise with pneumatic compression therapy may re present a promising integrative intervention to improve lymphedema and related functional limitations. This study aims to investigate the effects of such a combined approach on breast cancer patients with lymphedema by comparing outcomes across multiple ti me points, including arm circumference measurements, shoulder range of motion, upper extremity function (DASH), and quality of life (FACT B), with the goal of establishing a more comprehensive rehabilitation model.
Conditions
Conditions (1)
Free-text conditions as registered, with the CancerIndex entity they were reconciled to and the match type.
| Condition (as posted) | Mapped entity | Match | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer Lymphedema | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
Interventions
Interventions (2)
| Intervention | Type | Mapped drug | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Upper Extremity Exercise | Other | — | UNRESOLVED |
| Pneumatic Compression Therapy | Other | — | UNRESOLVED |
Design
Arms and outcomes
Arms (1)
- type
- EXPERIMENTAL
- label
- Combined Upper Extremity Exercise and Pneumatic Compression Therapy
- description
- Participants will receive a 6-week intervention consisting of structured upper extremity exercise combined with pneumatic compression therapy. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-treatment, and one-week follow-up.
- interventionNames
- Other: Combined Upper Extremity Exercise
- Other: Pneumatic Compression Therapy
Primary outcomes (4)
- measure
- Upper limb circumference point-by-point
- timeFrame
- 5 weeks
- description
- Upper Limb Circumference Measurement Upper limb circumference was measured using a non-elastic standard measuring tape at predefined anatomical landmarks to assess limb swelling. Measurement Sites: Elbow joint 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm proximal to the elbow 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm distal to the elbow Wrist joint Circumference was recorded in centimeters (cm) at each site. Greater circumference values indicate greater limb swelling, while lower values indicate reduction of lymphedema. Standardization Procedures: All measurements were performed by the same trained assessor. Measurements were conducted within the same time window (e.g., 9:00 AM-12:00 PM). Participants rested for 10 minutes prior to measurement. Measurements were obtained with the participant in the same standardized posture at each assessment time point.
Eligibility
Eligibility (as posted)
- Sex
- Female
- Minimum age
- 20 Years
- Maximum age
- 70 Years
Show eligibility criteria text
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Female breast cancer patients aged 20-70 years 2. Postoperative unilateral breast cancer surgery with a clinical diagnosis of lymphedema (stage I or II breast cancer treatment, with unilateral lymphedema greater than 2 cm and less than 8 cm at least one measurement point) 3. Completion of subsequent chemotherapy/radiotherapy or other treatments at least 3 months postoperatively 4. Ability to cooperate with 12 treatments and all assessments and sign a consent form Exclusion Criteria: 1. Breast cancer with a tendency for recurrence or metastasis 2. Severe infection of the upper limb (cellulitis) 3. Uncontrolled heart failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), severe peripheral vascular disease 4. Stage III lymphedema, bilateral lymphedema, or need to take medications that may affect sweat glands in the upper limbs 5. Other musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs, joint deformities, or a history of surgery 6. Pregnancy or other conditions unsuitable for participation
References
Publications (0)
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