Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Exercise Program With Specific Upper Limb Exercises to Reduce Lymphedema and Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pre-post Study (LYNMA)

Effectiveness of a General Therapeutic Exercise Program Including Specific Upper Limb Exercises to Reduce Lymphedema and Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Oncological Treatment in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Pre-post Intervention Study (LYNMA)

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise program designed specifically for women with breast cancer. The program includes general exercises along with specific movements for the upper limb to help reduce common side effects of cancer treatment such as lymphedema (swelling of the arm) and neuropathy (nerve pain or numbness). Participants will undergo the exercise program and be assessed before and after to determine improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. The goal is to provide evidence that targeted physical therapy can improve recovery and well-being in breast cancer survivors.

This pre-post intervention study aims to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive therapeutic exercise program tailored for breast cancer patients experiencing lymphedema and neuropathy secondary to cancer treatment. The program combines general physical exercises with specific upper limb movements targeting symptom reduction and functional improvement. Participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention to measure changes in arm swelling, nerve symptoms, physical function, and quality of life. The study will contribute valuable data on non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies that could enhance recovery and reduce long-term complications in breast cancer survivors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving treatment for breast carcinoma.reatments include surgical procedures (breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy), axillary lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Participants must provide authorization from their primary care physician and/or oncologist to perform therapeutic exercise.
• Diagnosis of lymphedema associated with stage I or II breast cancer (Stage 1 or mild: circumference difference less than 4 cm [volume difference 10-25%] compared to the healthy arm; Stage 2 or moderate: circumference difference between 4 and 6 cm [volume difference 25-50%] compared to the healthy arm).
• A score of 4 or higher on the DN4 questionnaire (neuropathic pain)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of medical authorization.
• Pre-existing cardiac pathology prior to cancer diagnosis.
• Exacerbation of comorbidities.
• Travel time exceeding 45 minutes to the location where the therapeutic exercise program is conducted.