Effect of ten session massage & Exercise on pain and quality of life in women with Breast Cancer- related Lymphoedema

Introduction & Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the massage and exercise on lymphoedema in women with breast cancer. The inci dence of breast cancer related lymphoedema is about 20% of the breast cancer survivor population. The condition increases arm volume, causes a sensation of heaviness and tightness, and in some patients it may cause pain and impair mobility. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to either the massage group (n = 10) or the exercise (n = 10) group. Then the upper limb with lymph edema in the upper, middle and total limb was measured. Massage and exercise for 5 weeks (2 sessions per week, 20 minutes per session) and then the VAS questionnaire and the quality of life of SF-36 were also given to complete massage and exercise before and after the 10-session. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21 using t-test and one way ANOVA and 95% confidence level (P <0.05).Results: The volume of the proximal part of the arm was significantly more reduced in the massage group than the of the exercise group (P<0.05). In the massage group, there was significantly more improvement pain, physical health and quality of life as compared with that of the exercise group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that massage can be more effective than interventional exercise therapy in reducing pain, swelling and improving the quality of life of patients with breast cancer.

Keywords:

Breast Cancer , Massage , Exercise , Lymphoedema