Title
Effects of Yoga on Arm Volume among Women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2014
Publication Source
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Abstract
Lymphedema affects 3–58% of survivors of breast cancer and can result in upper extremity impairments. Exercise can be beneficial in managing lymphedema. Yoga practice has been minimally studied for its effects on breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of yoga on arm volume, quality of life (QOL), self-reported arm function, and hand grip strength in women with BCRL. Six women with BCRL participated in modified Hatha yoga 3×/week for 8 weeks. Compression sleeves were worn during yoga sessions. Arm volume, QOL, self-reported arm function, and hand grip strength were measured at baseline, half-way, and at the conclusion of yoga practice. Arm volume significantly decreased from baseline (2423.3 ml ± 597.2) to final measures (2370.8 ml ± 577.2) (p = .02). No significant changes in QOL (p = .12), self-reported arm function (p = .34), or hand grip strength (p = .26) were found. Yoga may be beneficial in the management of lymphedema.
Inclusive pages
559-565
ISBN/ISSN
1360-8592
Document Version
Postprint
Volume
18
Issue
4
Peer Reviewed
yes
Keywords
breast cancer, lymphedema, yoga, arm function
eCommons Citation
Fisher, Mary Insana; Donahoe-Fillmore, Betsy; Leach, Laura; O'Malley, Colleen; Paeplow, Cheryl; Prescott, Tess; and Merriman, Harold L., "Effects of Yoga on Arm Volume among Women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Study" (2014). Physical Therapy Faculty Publications. 17.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/dpt_fac_pub/17
Included in
Biomechanics Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Oncology Commons, Orthopedics Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Therapeutics Commons
Comments
This is the author’s final manuscript accepted for publication in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Volume 18, Issue 4, October 2014, Pages 559–565.