Effects of compression on lymphedema during resistance exercise in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized cross-over trial

Abstract

The use of compression garments during exercise is recommended for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema, but the evidence behind this clinical recommendation is unclear. The aim of this randomized, cross-over trial was to compare the acute effects of wearing versus not wearing compression during a single bout of moderate-load resistance exercise on lymphedema status and its associated symptoms in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Twenty-five women with clinically diagnosed, stable unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema completed two resistance exercise sessions, one with compression and one without, in a randomized order separated by a minimum 6 day wash-out period. The resistance exercise session consisted of six upper-body exercises, with each exercise performed for three sets at a moderate-load (10-12 repetition maximum). Primary outcome was lymphedema, assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy (L-Dex score). Secondary outcomes were lymphedema as assessed by arm circumferences (percent inter-limb difference and sum-of-circumferences), and symptom severity for pain, heaviness and tightness, measured using visual analogue scales. Measurements were taken pre-, immediately post- and 24 hours post-exercise. There was no difference in lymphedema status (i.e., L-Dex scores) pre- and post-exercise sessions or between the compression and non-compression condition [Mean (SD) for compression pre-, immediately post- and 24 hours post-exercise: 17.7 (21.5), 12.7 (16.2) and 14.1 (16.7), respectively; no compression: 15.3 (18.3), 15.3 (17.8), and 13.4 (16.1), respectively]. Circumference values and symptom severity were stable across time and treatment condition. An acute bout of moderate-load, upper-body resistance exercise performed in the absence of compression does not exacerbate lymphedema in women with BCRL.

Keywords

Lymphedema, breast cancer, compression, exercise, randomized crossover trial

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2015

Publication Title

Lymphology

Publisher

International Society of Lymphology

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences / Exercise Medicine Research Institute

RAS ID

21245

Comments

Singh, B., Newton, R. U., Cormie, P., Galvao, D. A., Cornish, B., Reul-Hirche, H., ... Hayes, S. C. (2015). Effects of compression on lymphoedema during resistance exercise in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A randomised, cross-over trial. Lymphology, 48(2), 80-92. Available here

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