english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2010 > Breast cancer: exercising the upper arm in cases of lymphoedema

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2010 : 1 | 30 | 60 | 90

Breast cancer: exercising the upper arm in cases of lymphoedema

In women suffering from lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery, regular exercise of the upper arm increases its muscle strength with no serious adverse effects.

Lymphoedema of the upper arm is an oedema associated with blockage of lymphatic vessels. Lymphoedema is a complication that occurs following breast cancer surgery, particularly after axillary lymph node clearance or radiotherapy.

Continuous compression bandaging and moderate exercising of the upper arm are usually recommended to prevent lymphoedema after breast cancer.

A trial compared physical exercise with no exercise in women suffering from lymphoedema of the upper arm following breast cancer treatment. Gradual exercise, carried out twice a week for a year, included stretching and moderate muscle exercises of the arm supported by a bandage.

After one year, regular physical exercise had not caused an increase in the size of the arm. Conversely, muscle strength had significantly increased in the women exercising, with no serious adverse effects.

This trial shows that it is advisable for women suffering from lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment to practice regular, gradual physical exercise of the upper arms, with compression bandaging.

©Prescrire December 2010

Source : "Exercice du membre supérieur atteint de lymphoedème" Rev Prescrire 2010; 30 (323): 692.