Bicego, D., Brown, K., Ruddick, M., Storey, D., Wong, C., & Harris, S.R. (2006). Exercise for women with or at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Physical Therapy, 86(10), 1398–1405.
DOI Link
Purpose
To question: (a) Does aerobic or resistance exercise lead to lymphedema in women who are at risk? and (b) Does aerobic or resistance exercise reduce or exacerbate preexisting lymphedema?
Search Strategy
Databases searched were in CINAHL, EMBASE ,MEDLINE PEDro, and PubMed.
Literature Evaluated
Eight studies were reviewed; five were Sackett level V and three studies were level ll.
Conclusions
It has long been believed that aerobic exercise and UE resistance should be avoided for women at risk of or who have lymphedema; however, recent studies suggest that it may be safe.
Nursing Implications
Additional research with larger randomized controls is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of exercise for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.