Fong, S.S., Ng, S.S., Luk, W.S., Chung, J.W., Ho, J.S., Ying, M., & Ma, A.W. (2014). Effects of qigong exercise on upper limb lymphedema and blood flow in survivors of breast cancer: A pilot study. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 13, 54–61.

To investigate the effects of qigong exercises on upper extremity lymphedema, arterial resistance, and blood flow velocity in breast cancer survivors

Experimental group performed approximately six minutes of the 18 forms tai chi qigong exercises, and the control group rested.

• N = 23
• MEAN AGE = 58 years (intervention), 54 years (control)
• MALES: 0%, FEMALES: 100%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Females older than age 18, treated with mastectomy, lymphedema of greater than 2 cm circumferential measurement in affected versus unaffected extremity, no known neurological deficits
• OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Exclusions included current adjuvant treatment, recurrence of disease, lumpectomy, pregnancy, or performing other regular exercise.

• SITE: Single site 
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient 
• LOCATION: Hong Kong

• PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
• APPLICATIONS: Elder care

• Pilot, single-blind, nonrandomized, controlled trial

• Circumferential limb volume
• Tape measurement
• Doppler for arterial resistance
• Resistance Index

There was an immediate circumferential decrease and blood flow resistance decrease, with increase in blood flow velocity in the experimental group. However, no girth changes between groups may indicate only temporary effects.

More rigorous randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm the effects of this exercise.

• Small sample (< 30)
• Risk of bias (no random assignment)
• Findings not generalizable

Nurses should encourage limb movement and range of motion exercises for breast cancer survivors.