Effects of complex decongestive physical therapy on upper limb circumference and sensory function in post-mastectomy lymph oedema, A quasi-experimental study

J Pak Med Assoc. 2024 Dec;74(12):2168-2170. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.11419.

Abstract

The quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Allied Hospital, Faisalabad to investigate the effect of complex decongestive physical therapy on sensory testing in postmastectomy- related lymphoedema patients. The sample comprised 18 participants enrolled using convenience sampling technique. All the participants received complex decongestive physical therapy during 5 sessions per week for 3 weeks. The intervention comprised manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layered compression bandages, skin care and patient-oriented exercises for breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Upper limb circumference of the subjects was measured, while twopoint discrimination test, pressure pain threshold test and tactile localisation test were also conducted. Complex decongestive physical therapy showed a significant difference in pre- and post-intervention values (p<0.05). Complex decongestive physical therapy was found to be effective in improving sensory perceptions, like discrimination, tactile and pain pressure threshold, as well as oedema.

Keywords: Compression bandages, Mastectomy, Quality of life, Range of motion, Breast cancer lymphoedema..

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Cancer Lymphedema / therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Compression Bandages*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / therapy
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage* / methods
  • Mastectomy* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Threshold
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Upper Extremity*