Lymphedema of Upper Limb
Conditions
Keywords
Lymphedema, upper limb, quality of life, respiratory function test
Brief summary
The aim of our study is to assess disease severity, respiratory muscle strength, respiratory functions, pectoralis minor muscle shortening, functionality, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with upper limb lymphedema (ULL), and to compare these findings with healthy controls.The disease severity was assessed using the Stillwell classification system; respiratory muscle strength was measured through maximum inspiratory and expiratory intraoral pressures (MIP, MEP, respectively); respiratory functions were evaluated with a spirometer; pectoralis minor muscle shortening was measured with a tape measure; functionality was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH); and QoL was evaluated with the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire - Arm (LYMQOL-Arm).
Detailed description
The study had a cross-sectional observational study design. The participants were divided into two groups, patients with ULL in Group 1; the healthy individuals were included in Group 2. All assessments for both groups were performed by two different physiotherapists.
Interventions
OTHERAssessments of respiratory parameters
respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function test
Sponsors
Okan University
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
25 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* aged 25-65 years with secondary, unilateral upper limb lymphedema in Phase 2 of the protection stage, * wearing compression garments, * who have not received manual lymph drainage (MLD) therapy in the last 3 months * along with healthy controls of a similar age who volunteered to participate.
Exclusion criteria
* being in Phase 1 of lymphedema treatment (the edema-reducing phase), * being classified as NYHA Class III and/or IV according to the New York Heart Association classification system, * having a chronic respiratory disease, * presence of active infection (such as lymphangitis or cellulitis), or undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy due to breast cancer.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MIP and MEP value | 9 months | assessments include maximal inspiratory intraoral pressure (MIP) and expiratory intraoral pressure (MEP). |
| FVC | 9 months | FVC is used for forced vital capacity which measure by spirometer |
| pectoralis minor muscle length | 9 months | pectoralis minor muscle length is used for pectoralis muscle shortness |
| DASH questionnaire | 9 months | Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) is used for upper extremity functions. Questionnaire score ranged between 0-100. A higher total score indicates decreased functionality. |
| LYMQOL-Arm questionnaire | 9 months | Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire - Arm is used for assess disease related quality of life.The high scores are indicative of poorer QoL. Questionnaire score ranged between 0-100. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed