Virtual Reality Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Postmastectomy Lymphedema

Virtual Reality Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Postmastectomy Lymphedema

This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of VR and PNF on lymphedema and function in unilateral post-mastectomy lymphedema (UPML) patients. The patients were subdivided into two equal groups, 15 in each. Fifteen patients performed virtual reality-based exercises plus complete decongestive therapy, while the other fifteen patients performed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation plus complete decongestive therapy. The volume difference between normal and affected limbs was calculated before and after eight sessions of treatment for both groups by using the circumferential method. And the upper limb function was assessed before and after eight sessions of treatment for both groups by using the Arabic version of the Quick DASH scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients will suffer from unilateral post-mastectomy lymphedema.
• Stage I and stage II lymphedema as defined by the classification of the International Society of Lymphology (The International Society of Lymphology, 2003).
• Patients had no physical therapy before the current treatment or the last time to receive sessions was at least three months ago.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Excluded patients were having musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that would impair performance during training and tests.
• Visual disorders that could affect imitation of video game-based exercise.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases.
• Psychiatric illness, severe behavior, and cognitive disorders.