Effects of upper limb low resistance exercises along with manual lymphatic drainage in subjects with post radical mastectomy – a pilot study

Introduction: Post radical mastectomy patients will have physical problems like reduced shoulder movements and upper limb muscles strength. The performance and overall function of upper limb and Quality of Life (QOL) will reduce followed by these muscle’s reduced activity. The aim of present study is to find the effects of manual lymphatic drainage with low resistance training of upper limb on shoulder function and QOL of post mastectomy patients. Generally, upper limb muscles like Trapezius, serratus anterior, pectoralis s group. 1 subject from experimental group withdrawal from study. The treatment duration is 12 weeks based on cancer Rehabilitation principle. Outcome measures are taken Lymph ICF (for QOL), anatomical circumferential measurements (for Lymphedema). Patients selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Experimental group patients receiving upper limb low resistance training and manual lymphatic drainage techniques and control group patients receiving only manual lymphatic drainage techniques. Both group of patients are advised to wear upper limb elastic stockings for 8 hours per day. Result: All Outcome measures taken in baseline (pre) and end of 12 weeks (post) in both groups. Data was analysed by using paired ’t’ test. Results analysed based on pre and post test values. Conclusion: The study has designed a structured low resistance upper limb exercise program for post radical mastectomy patients in improving shoulder function and QOL.