Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining cancer survivors
with lower-limb lymphedema into an exercise intervention study.
To develop
preliminary estimates regarding the safety and efficacy of this intervention. We hypothesized that progressive weight training would not exacerbate leg swelling
and that the intervention would improve functional mobility and quality of life.
DESIGN: Before-after pilot study with a duration of 5 months. SETTING: University
of Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Cancer survivors with a known diagnosis of
lower-limb lymphedema (N=10) were directly referred by University of Pennsylvania
clinicians. All 10 participants completed the study. INTERVENTION: Twice weekly
slowly progressive weight lifting, supervised for 2 months, unsupervised for 3
months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was interlimb volume
differences as measured by optoelectronic perometry. Additional outcome measures
included safety (adverse events), muscle strength, objective physical function,
and quality of life. RESULTS: Interlimb volume differences were 44.4% and 45.3%
at baseline and 5 months, respectively (pre-post comparison, P=.70). There were 2
unexpected incident cases of cellulitis within the first 2 months. Both resolved
with oral antibiotics and complete decongestive therapy by 5 months. Bench and
leg press strength increased by 47% and 27% over 5 months (P=.001 and P=.07,
respectively). Distance walked in 6 minutes increased by 7% in 5 months (P=.01).
No improvement was noted in self-reported quality of life. CONCLUSIONS:
Recruitment of patients with lower-limb-lymphedema into an exercise program is
feasible. Despite some indications that the intervention may be safe (eg, a lack
of clinically significant interlimb volume increases over 5 mo), the unexpected
finding of 2 cellulitic infections among the 10 participants suggests additional
study is required before concluding that patients with lower-extremity lymphedema
can safely perform weight lifting.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS