Recommendation ID
CG81.1/1
Question

What is the role of arm and shoulder specific exercises compared with and/or used as an adjunct to established lymphoedema treatments (such as compression garments and complex decongestive therapy)?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

These well-designed randomised controlled trials should consider differing arm and shoulder specific aerobic and/or resistive exercises that focus on strength and flexibility to improve local lymph flow, for example, swimming, weight lifting, tai chi and yoga. The studies should have a follow-up period that is sufficient to capture long term outcomes including changes to current lymphoedema or any new onset lymphoedema in other part of the limb. Outcomes for this research should include quality of life measures.


Source guidance details

Comes from guidance
Advanced breast cancer: diagnosis and treatment
Number
CG81
Date issued
February 2009

Other details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? No  
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?   No  
Last Reviewed 07/10/2014