Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of kinesiophobia, quality of life, and home exercise programs on women with upper extremity lymphedema.
Methods: A total of 62 women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatments were provided a protocol of complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This protocol involved manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression garments, skin care, and remedial exercises. The women were taken to a 12-week therapy program once per day, 3 days per week. A home program, consisting of compression bandage exercises, skin care and walking was recommended. Absolute volume and percentage of volume of the lymphedema were compared before and after treatment. The kinesiophobia, quality of life, and home-based program were assessed before and after physiotherapy.
Results: Strong correlations were found between the severity of edema and fear of movement. There was a significant negative relationship among the fear of movement, quality of life, and home-based exercises program. Mean initial lymphedema volume was 925 ml, and the percentage of lymphedema was 47.1%. After decongestive physiotherapy, the lymphedema volume and percentage were 510 ml and 21.3% (P < 0.05), respectively. There was also a trend toward improvement in general well-being (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In upper extremity lymphedema, the use of complex physiotherapy programs (CDP) can decrease edema and fear of activity, and increase the quality of life.