RecruitingACTRN12606000435583

Exercise for women with lymphoedema

A randomised trial to evaluate the effect of resistance training on volume of lymphoedema for women with lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer.

Sponsor

University of Sydney

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2005

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Women with unilateral upper limb lymphoedema following breast cancer surgery

Summary

This is a study on the benefits of exercise for women with lymphoedema. Who is it for? You can join this study if you have arm swelling following breast cancer treatment, whether this is induced by surgery or radiotherapy. Trial details Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will attend a 60 minutes exercise program three times a week for 10 weeks, aimed at improving upper limb strength The other group will asked to attend for a 30 minute assessment of their lymphoedema each week for 10 weeks (the control group will not have an exercise program). Both groups will have their lymphoedema assessed each week for 10 weeks. The trial looks at any change in upper limb composition measured using a technique known as multifrequency bio-impedance (which is a way to measure tissue density, particularly the amount of fluid in the arm) and arm circumference at 10 weeks and 6 months following completion of treatment. There is no standard intervention recommended for women with arm swelling. The trial will determine the effects of vigorous supervised resistance training on arm lymphoedema. The trial will document whether women with lymphoedema can use their affected arm in vigorous exercise.

Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is for women who have swelling in their arm (lymphoedema) following breast cancer treatment. Lymphoedema happens when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy, causing fluid to build up in the arm. There is currently no standard exercise treatment for this condition. This study is testing whether a supervised resistance training program (weight-based exercises) can reduce arm swelling and improve upper arm strength. Participants will be randomly assigned to either join the exercise program or attend regular assessments without exercise. You may be eligible if: - You are a woman who has had surgery for breast cancer on one side - You finished breast cancer treatment at least 6 months ago - You have arm swelling (lymphoedema) that has been present for at least 6 months - You finished your lymphoedema treatment at least 1 month ago - You are willing to attend training and follow-up sessions - You can understand written and spoken English You may NOT be eligible if: - You have metastatic (spread) cancer - You have a pacemaker or other internal stimulator - You are pregnant - You have had a fracture, surgery, neurological problem, or other injury in either arm that would affect testing Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Exercise group: women will attend 3 times a week for 10 weeks to be instructed in a resistance training program aimed at improving upper limb muscle strength.Each session will last approximately 60 mi

Locations(1)

NSW, Australia

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ACTRN12606000435583