THE EFFECT OF GENTLE ARM EXERCISE AND DEEP BREATHING ON SECONDARY ARM LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore thebenefits of gentle arm exercise combined withdeep breathing for secondary arm lymphedema.38 women participated in 10 minutes ofstandardized arm exercise and deep breathingand were measured every 10 minutes for 1hour, then 24 hours and 1 week post regime.A smaller cohort of 24 women continued the10 minute exercise regime morning andevening for 1 month, with measurements beingrepeated at the end of this time. Directly afterperforming the regime, there was a reductionin arm volume of 52 mls (5.8%), with thereduction being sustained at 30 minutes(50 mls, 5.3%). Even though participants weretold not to further do the exercise, at 24 hoursthe volume reduction was 46 mls (4.3%) andat 1 week, 33 mls (3.5%). At the one monthfollow-up, the reduction was 101mls (9.0%).All reductions were statistically significant.Reported arm heaviness and tightness alsostatistically significantly decreased directlyafter the regime with the reduction intightness being sustained at 24 hours. Thereduction in heaviness was sustained at 24hours, 1week, and even one month after theprogram. Perceived limb size was significantlyreduced at 1 week and at the 1 month followup.There was also a significant improvementin the anterior thorax tonometry reading atthe 1 month follow-up.This study indicates that combined armexercise and deep breathing is an easy toperform and implement regime which significantlyreduces arm volume and subjectivesymptoms both initially after treatment andwhen performed over a 1 month period.