Effect of PhysioTouch on Upper Limb Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effect of PhysioTouch on upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Methods:From September, 2017 to August, 2018, 42 patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer operation were randomly divided into control group (n = 21) and experimental group (n = 21). Both groups accepted complex decongestion therapy, while the experimental group accepted PhysioTouch in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with difference of upper limb volume, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire of Breast Cancer (EORTC QLQ‐BR23) before and after treatment. Results:All the indexes significantly improved in both groups after treatment (t > 17.925, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.407, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Combination of PhysioTouch can further relieve upper limb edema after breast cancer operation, and improve their shoulder-hand function and quality of life.