Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Lymphedema

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Lymphedema Volume, Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness, Upper Extremity Functioning, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Upper Extremity Lymphedema Treatment: a Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of inspiratory muscle training on lymphedema volume, subcutaneous tissue thickness, upper extremity functionality and sleep quality in the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema. Two groups included 24 patients with lymphedema will be divided into gropus (intervetion and control) and they will compare each other.

All patients will be treated 5 days a week, 4 weeks, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. While only decongestive treatment will be applied to the control group, inspiratory muscle training will be given to the interventional group in addition to decongestive treatment. Evaluations of the patients will be made before and after of 4-week treatment program.

Inclusion Criteria:

Having been diagnosed with lymphedema in the upper extremity at least 6 months ago

• Having stage 2 lymphedema
• Having a 2-8 cm circumference difference between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity at any reference point
• Being between the ages of 18-60
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study
• Not having received any lymphedema treatment in the last 6 months.
• Not having any physical, respiratory, neurological and/or systemic disease that would prevent participation in the treatment program.

Exclusion Criteria:

Having stage 1 and stage 3 lymphedema

• It has been less than 6 months since the diagnosis of lymphedema was made
• Being under 18 years of age and over 60 years of age
• Having a circumference measurement difference of more than 8 cm and less than 2 cm at any reference point between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity
• Lymphedema or elephantiasis with papilloma, hyperkeratosis
• Uncontrolled hypertension, pulmonary edema, presence of serious cardiovascular disease
• Presence of active metastasis
• Acute inflammatory diseases