NCT07170631

Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Exercise Program With Specific Upper Limb Exercises to Reduce Lymphedema and Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pre-post Study (LYNMA)

Effectiveness of a General Therapeutic Exercise Program Including Specific Upper Limb Exercises to Reduce Lymphedema and Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Oncological Treatment in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Pre-post Intervention Study (LYNMA)

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Universitat Internacional de Catalunya · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 35 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise program designed specifically for women with breast cancer. The program includes general exercises along with specific movements for the upper limb to help reduce common side effects of cancer treatment such as lymphedema (swelling of the arm) and neuropathy (nerve pain or numbness). Participants will undergo the exercise program and be assessed before and after to determine improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. The goal is to provide evidence that targeted physical therapy can improve recovery and well-being in breast cancer survivors.

Detailed description

This pre-post intervention study aims to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive therapeutic exercise program tailored for breast cancer patients experiencing lymphedema and neuropathy secondary to cancer treatment. The program combines general physical exercises with specific upper limb movements targeting symptom reduction and functional improvement. Participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention to measure changes in arm swelling, nerve symptoms, physical function, and quality of life. The study will contribute valuable data on non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies that could enhance recovery and reduce long-term complications in breast cancer survivors.

Conditions

• Lymphedema Arm
• Lymphedema Due to Radiation
• Lymphedema, Breast Cancer
• Peripheral Neuropathy Due to Chemotherapy
• Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patient

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Therapeutic exercise	Participants will follow a 3-month therapeutic exercise program combining general exercises with specific upper limb exercises, including hand proprioception and neurodynamic techniques. Two group sessions per week (1 to 1.15 hours each) will be conducted, with at least 24 hours between sessions. Each session includes warm-up, three progressive work blocks with strength, mobility, and balance exercises, and a cool-down. Strength training uses body weight and equipment, with intensity guided by the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, progressing safely from moderate to higher levels. Mobility and balance exercises target trunk, upper and lower limbs, and postural control. Neurodynamic techniques focus on median, radial, and ulnar nerves using neural sliding and intermittent tension, stopping exercises if pain exceeds 4/10. Supervised by experienced physiotherapists, the program aims to reduce lymphedema and neuropathy symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-07-01
• Completion: 2026-10-01
• First posted: 2025-09-12
• Last updated: 2025-09-18