Resisted Underwater Exercise Versus Pilates Exercise For Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

2 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

10.21608/iptccu.2024.456812

Abstract

Background: Lymphedema following mastectomy substantially affects upper limb function and strength. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes. Purpose: To examine whether resisted underwater exercise is more effective than Pilates exercise in improving upper limb function and strength in patients with lymphedema following mastectomy. Subjects and Methods: A double-blinded randomized group study was conducted in an outpatient setting. Sixty patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema participated and were divided into two groups of thirty. Group A received resisted underwater exercise and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received Pilates exercise along with conventional physiotherapy. Interventions were administered thrice weekly for eight weeks. Conventional physiotherapy included manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression therapy, and active exercises aimed at reducing edema and improving limb function. Limb volume and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scale were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Baseline comparisons showed no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Post-treatment results demonstrated a significant reduction in limb volume and DASH scores in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The resisted underwater exercise program is more effective than the Pilates exercise program in reducing limb volume and improving upper limb function in patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema.

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