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

Authors

  • Momena Nawaz Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Salman Bashir Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Rabiya Noor Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mehwish Ikram Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.11419

Keywords:

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

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 post-mastectomy-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 two-point 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.

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

Published

2024-11-17

How to Cite

Nawaz, M., Bashir, M. S., Noor, R., & Ikram, M. (2024). Effects of complex decongestive physical therapy on upper limb circumference and sensory function in post-mastectomy lymph oedema, A quasi-experimental study. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(12), 2168–2170. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.11419

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