Update on Exercise and Lymphedema Management

We have received many inquiries and comments about our 2021 blog on weightlifting and lymphedema. Since the 2009 New York Times article we referenced, research continues to highlight the importance of exercise as an essential part of lymphedema management. There is also consensus with major national organizations (National Lymphedema Network, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Cancer Society, American College of Sports Medicine) with updated exercise guidelines that breast cancer survivors should incorporate aerobic and flexibility activities and that strength training is safe. It is important that survivors are cleared for exercise and that they are performed in a supervised program. 

One study we want to highlight is called Strength After Breast Cancer (Strength ABC). It was based on a large clinical trial (154 survivors without lymphedema and 141 survivors with lymphedema) that showed weightlifting reduced onset of lymphedema as well as lymphedema flare-ups. So often people living with lymphedema or are at-risk for lymphedema are trying to reduce their symptoms by avoiding or minimizing their exposure to certain triggers. With a program like Strength ABC, this gives survivors the reins to positively impact their bodies and reduce lymphedema symptoms or onset as well as improve energy levels and strength.

Strength ABC has also been shown to be successful in a clinic setting (instead of just being in a controlled research setting) with similar results to the clinical trial. It had a few challenges related to referrals and recommendations of implementing the program 1:1 instead of a group setting to help tailor exercises based on each participant's ability.

STAY TUNED: With all of this exciting data, we have started offering this program to our patients as a pilot project this summer, led by one of our OTs, Grace Chen, OTR/L, CLT.  We are hopeful for successful results and increasing patients' confidence in returning to work out routines and improving overall fitness and will offer this on a larger scale starting this Fall!