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Effects of physical exercise on breast cancer-related secondary lymphedema: a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of different types of exercise on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in order to elucidate the role of exercise in this patient group.

Methods

A systematic data search was performed using PubMed (December 2016). The review is focused on the rehabilitative aspect of BCRL and undertaken according to the PRISMA statement with Levels of Evidence (LoE) assessed.

Results

11 randomized controlled trials (9 with LoE 1a and 2 with LoE 1b) that included 458 women with breast cancer in aftercare were included. The different types of exercise consisted of aqua lymph training, swimming, resistance exercise, yoga, aerobic, and gravity-resistive exercise. Four of the studies measured a significant reduction in BCRL status based on arm volume and seven studies reported significant subjective improvements. No study showed adverse effects of exercise on BCRL.

Conclusion

The evidence indicates that exercise can improve subjective and objective parameters in BCRL patients, with dynamic, moderate, and high-frequency exercise appearing to provide the most positive effects.

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Acknowledgements

The authors Freerk T. Baumann, Alexandra Reike, Vanessa Reimer, Moritz Schumann, Michael Hallek, Dennis R. Taaffe, Robert U. Newton, and Daniel A. Galvao certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Funding

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department I of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    F. T. Baumann, A. Reike, V. Reimer & M. Hallek

  2. Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport, Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sport Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    M. Schumann

  3. Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia

    D. R. Taaffe, R. U. Newton & D. A. Galvao

  4. School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia

    D. R. Taaffe, R. U. Newton & D. A. Galvao

  5. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    D. R. Taaffe & D. A. Galvao

  6. Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    R. U. Newton

  7. University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    R. U. Newton

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  1. F. T. Baumann
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Correspondence to F. T. Baumann.

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Baumann, F.T., Reike, A., Reimer, V. et al. Effects of physical exercise on breast cancer-related secondary lymphedema: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 170, 1–13 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-018-4725-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-018-4725-y

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