Aquatic Versus Land Based Exercise on Lymphedema Post Mastectomy

Fifty eligible breast cancer survivors (median, 10 yrs after surgery) with arm lymph-edema (median, 21% inter limb difference) were included and randomized into the intervention(group A, n = 25) or control ( Group B, n = 25). Intervention group received 60 minutes aquatic-based exercise in the form of warm-up for 10 mins, then strengthening exercise for 40 minutes, followed by 10 min cooling down in the form of stretching and mobility exercise, three times a week for 8 weeks, plus land-based exercise session for 60 minutes for 8 weeks in the form of warm-up, strengthening, and cooling down exercise. The control group received 60 minutes of land base exercise, three times a week, for 8 weeks. Arm volume, shoulder flexion, abduction range of motion and pain using a visual analogue scale were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment.