•  
  •  
 

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Translated Title

噴射氣療對於乳癌合併淋巴水腫之療效：初步報告

Abstract

Lymphedema is a common sequela of breast cancer therapy. The decreased arm function with swelling, pain, numbness, and a limited range of motion, is associated with a psychological distress that affects the quality of life. There is no cure for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Complex physical therapy is currently the mainstream of therapy, combined with manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression pumps and compression bandaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate compressed air therapy as a new approach to lymphedema management.Eleven women with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema were recruited into the study. Air-jet therapy was performed to massage limb in a central direction. The protocol of therapy was once every 30 minutes, three times a week for two weeks, and then observation for two more weeks. Circumferential measurements were taken at 10 cm and 15cm proximal and distal to the ulnar olecranon. We calculated the percent difference of the bilateral arms and the percent reduction in circumference of the edematous arm. Numbness, shoulder/arm function, and satisfaction with the therapy were also evaluated. The circumference of the affected arm decreased after one week of air-jet therapy (p=0.020), but the therapeutic effect did not remain after discontinuing the therapy. In addition, the air massage improved the shoulder/arm function and decreased the numbness sensation. Air-jet therapy is a new method for breast cancer-related lymphedema patients.

Language

Traditional Chinese

First Page

27

Last Page

32

Download

Share

COinS