Effects of educational program of manual lymph massage on the arm functioning and the quality of life in breast cancer patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of EPMLM (educational program of manual lymph massage) on the arm functioning and QOL (quality of life) in breast cancer patients with lymphedema. METHOD: Subjects in the experimental group (n=20) participated in EPMLM for 6 weeks from June to July, 2005. The EPMLM consisted of training of lymph massage for 2 weeks and encourage and support of self-care using lymph massage for 4 weeks. The arm functioning assessed at pre-treatment, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks using Arm functioning questionnaire. The QOL assessed at pre-treatment and 6 weeks using SF-36. The outcome data of experimental group was compared with control group (n=20). The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS 10.0 statistical program. RESULT: The arm functioning of experimental group was increased from 2 weeks after (W=.224, p=.011) and statistically differenced with control group at 2 weeks (Z=-2.241, p=.024) and 6 weeks (Z=-2.453, p=.013). Physical function of QOL domain increased in experimental group (Z=-1.162, p=.050), also statistically differenced with control group (Z=-2.182, p= .030) at 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the educational program of manual lymph massage can improve arm functioning and physical function of QOL domain in breast cancer patients with lymphedema.