The Effect of Hand Exercises on Upper Limb Volume, Quality of Life, and Hand Function in Breast Cancer Survivors

Launched by TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY · Aug 5, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether simple hand exercises can help women who have swelling in their arms (called lymphedema) after breast cancer treatment. The researchers want to see if adding these exercises—designed to improve hand movement and strength—to regular care can reduce the swelling, enhance quality of life, and improve hand function. They will compare two groups: one group will receive the usual care, while the other group will do the same but also participate in the hand exercises.

To join the study, participants must be women aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with lymphedema in one arm within the last 10 years after breast cancer treatment. This includes women currently receiving certain cancer treatments like immunotherapy or chemotherapy, as long as they can safely participate in the exercises. Participants will be asked to complete various assessments related to their hand function and quality of life throughout the study. It’s important to note that women with certain medical conditions or those who can’t read or speak English or Spanish well enough to understand the study materials will not be eligible to participate.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Biologic women age 18 years or older with a diagnosis of clinical lymphedema of one upper extremity-early (clinical), moderate, or late stage, following treatment for breast cancer within the previous 10 years.
• • Women concurrently receiving immunotherapy or chemotherapy are eligible for inclusion, but an additional information request may be necessary (e.g., any activity restrictions and nadir periods) to determine whether they can safely participate in the exercise activities and apply compression.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Prior history of paresis in either upper limb, though paresis related to nerve compression from increased lymphatic volume will be eligible for inclusion.
• • Current open wounds (\> 0.5 inch in length or diameter) of the axilla or edematous upper limb would be excluded, though the presence of lymphorrhea without visible skin tears will be eligible for inclusion.
• • Previous treatment for upper limb lymphedema or a prior diagnosis of congestive heart failure or end-stage renal disease due to the impact on edematous limbs and risk of cardiac overload.
• • Women who cannot speak or read English or Spanish sufficiently to complete the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale or understand the consent forms, educational information, and printed exercises will be excluded.