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Open Access 01-08-2020 | Breast Cancer | Review Article

Resistance exercise and breast cancer–related lymphedema—a systematic review update and meta-analysis

Authors: Timothy Hasenoehrl, Stefano Palma, Dariga Ramazanova, Heinz Kölbl, Thomas E. Dorner, Mohammad Keilani, Richard Crevenna

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2020

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this systematic review update and meta-analysis was to analyze resistance exercise (RE) intervention trials in breast cancer survivors (BCS) regarding their effect on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) status and upper and lower extremity strength.

Methods

Systematic literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases. Any exercise intervention studies—both randomized controlled and uncontrolled—which assessed the effects of RE on BCRL in BCS in at least one intervention group published between 1966 and 31st January 2020 were included. Included articles were analyzed regarding their level of evidence and their methodological quality using respective tools for randomized and nonrandomized trials of the Cochrane collaboration. Meta-analysis for bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) values as well as upper and lower extremity strength was conducted.

Results

Altogether, 29 studies were included in the systematic review. Results of six studies with altogether twelve RE intervention groups could be pooled for meta-analysis of the BCRL. A significant reduction of BCRL after RE was seen in BIS values (95% CI − 1.10 [− 2.19, − 0.01] L-Dex score). Furthermore, strength results of six studies could be pooled and meta-analysis showed significant improvements of muscular strength in the upper and lower extremities (95% CI 8.96 [3.42, 14.51] kg and 95% CI 23.42 [11.95, 34.88] kg, respectively).

Conclusion

RE does not have a systematic negative effect on BCRL and, on the contrary, potentially decreases it.

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Title: Resistance exercise and breast cancer–related lymphedema—a systematic review update and meta-analysis
Authors: Timothy Hasenoehrl
Stefano Palma
Dariga Ramazanova
Heinz Kölbl
Thomas E. Dorner
Mohammad Keilani
Richard Crevenna
Publication date: 01-08-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Lymphedema
Breast Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2020
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05521-x

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Abstract

Background

Methods

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