NCT07459881

Effects of Combined Upper Extremity Exercise and Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Effects of Combined Upper Extremity Exercise and Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Prospective Single-Group Pilot Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Far Eastern Memorial Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 20 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. With advances in treatment, survival rates have steadily increased; however, postoperative complications continue to affect patients' quality of life, with upper extremity lymphedema being among the most prevalent. Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) can result in arm swelling, pain, restricted mobility, and psychological distress, all of which negatively impact daily functioning and social partici pation . Previous studies have demonstrated that regular and moderate upper extremity exercise does not exacerbate lymphedema; instead, it may improve shoulder mobility, muscular strength, and contribute to edema control. In addition, therapeutic modalities such as pneumatic compression pumps and manual lymphatic drainage have been proven effective in reducing swelling and enhancing patient comfort . Recent systema tic reviews further support the beneficial effects of exercise interventions on upper limb function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, combining upper extremity exercise with pneumatic compression therapy may re present a promising integrative intervention to improve lymphedema and related functional limitations. This study aims to investigate the effects of such a combined approach on breast cancer patients with lymphedema by comparing outcomes across multiple ti me points, including arm circumference measurements, shoulder range of motion, upper extremity function (DASH), and quality of life (FACT B), with the goal of establishing a more comprehensive rehabilitation model.

Conditions

• Breast Cancer Lymphedema

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Combined Upper Extremity Exercise	Warm-up (5 min): shoulder flexion, abduction, circular motion Active and resistance training (20 min): using elastic bands or 0.5 kg weights： Seated rowing/Chest press/Lat pulldown/Single-arm row/Biceps curl/Triceps extension Two sets of 10 repetitions (or up to 3 sets depending on tolerance) Stretching (5 min): overhead stretch, lateral flexion, biceps/triceps stretch
OTHER	Pneumatic Compression Therapy	duration:20 minutes Multi-chamber upper limb sleeve Sequential distal-to-proximal inflation Pressure range: 20-40 mmHg (adjusted according to tolerance and safety limits) Monitoring for pain, numbness, pallor, or circulatory compromise

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2027-03-01
• Completion: 2027-12-01
• First posted: 2026-03-10
• Last updated: 2026-03-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan