Abstract | PURPOSE: Chronic lymphedema causes psychophysical sequelae jeopardizing quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors, and lack of effective therapies represents a major challenge for healthcare professionals. Structured adapted physical activity (APA) may represent an effective strategy to attenuate cancer treatment-related impairments and improve QoL. Here, we describe the effects of a specific APA intervention based on a novel multiperspective methodology in counteracting lymphedema-related morphofunctional alterations and improving QoL of BC survivors. METHODS: BC survivors with chronic moderate/severe lymphedema attending the Cancer Rehabilitation Center in Florence were assessed before and after 8-week APA. The protocol consisted of both APA specialist-supervised and self-leaded sessions using a tailor-designed proprioceptive board. Body mass index, bioimpedance parameters, indirect upper limb volume measurement, and ultrasonography were performed. Wrist flexion/extension and hand strength functional tests were also executed. QoL, depression/anxiety and pain intensity were evaluated by ULL27, HADS, distress thermometer and NRS questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: Although bioimpedance, ultrasound and volumetric measures remained mostly unchanged, wrist mobility, pain perception, depression, and QoL were all significantly ameliorated after APA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving APA professionals should be employed in the management of BC-related lymphedema to improve patient psychophysical outcomes and QoL.
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Authors | Giuditta Carretti, Daniela Mirandola, Francesca Maestrini, Lisa Sequi, Sara Germano, Maria Grazia Muraca, Guido Miccinesi, Mirko Manetti, Mirca Marini |
Journal | Breast cancer (Tokyo, Japan)
(Breast Cancer)
Vol. 29
Issue 3
Pg. 437-449
(May 2022)
ISSN: 1880-4233 [Electronic] Japan |
PMID | 35025064
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japanese Breast Cancer Society. |
Topics |
- Breast Neoplasms
(complications, therapy)
- Cancer Survivors
- Exercise
- Female
- Humans
- Lymphedema
(etiology, therapy)
- Pilot Projects
- Quality of Life
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Survivors
- Upper Extremity
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