Author: Baumann FT1, Reike A2, Reimer V2, Schumann M3, Hallek M2, Taaffe DR4,5,6, Newton RU4,5,7,8, Galvao DA4,5,6
Affiliation:
1Department I of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. freerk.baumann@uk-koeln.de.
2Department I of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
3Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport, Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sport Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
4Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
5School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
6School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
7Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
8University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Conference/Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat.
Date published: 2018 Feb 22
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s10549-018-4725-y. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 179
PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of different types of exercise on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in order to elucidate the role of exercise in this patient group.
METHODS: A systematic data search was performed using PubMed (December 2016). The review is focused on the rehabilitative aspect of BCRL and undertaken according to the PRISMA statement with Levels of Evidence (LoE) assessed.
RESULTS: 11 randomized controlled trials (9 with LoE 1a and 2 with LoE 1b) that included 458 women with breast cancer in aftercare were included. The different types of exercise consisted of aqua lymph training, swimming, resistance exercise, yoga, aerobic, and gravity-resistive exercise. Four of the studies measured a significant reduction in BCRL status based on arm volume and seven studies reported significant subjective improvements. No study showed adverse effects of exercise on BCRL.
CONCLUSION: The evidence indicates that exercise can improve subjective and objective parameters in BCRL patients, with dynamic, moderate, and high-frequency exercise appearing to provide the most positive effects.
KEYWORDS: Breast cancer; Exercise; Lymphedema; Oncology; Physical activity
PMID: 29470804 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-018-4725-y
