EFFECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON BREAST CANCER RELATED SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in order to elucidate the role of Physiotherapy in these patients.

Methods: A systematic data search was performed using Google scholar, PubMed (from January 2002 till October 2018). The review is focused on the rehabilitative aspect of BCRL and undertaken according to the PRISMA statement with Levels of Evidence (LoE) assessed.

Results: 13 randomized controlled trials that included 158 women with breast cancer in after care were included. The included articles were the intervention studies of the effect of physiotherapy with different types of physiotherapy regimens i.e exercise consisted of aqua lymph training, swimming, resistance exercise, yoga, aerobic, and gravity-resistive exercise. All the included articles were critically analyzed and included in this review.

Conclusion: The evidence indicates that Physiotherapy can improve subjective and objective parameters in BCRL patients although it is found to be helpful in improving the quality of life of these patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Physiotherapy, Lymphedema