Effects of yoga on arm volume among women with breast cancer related lymphedema: A pilot study

Post-operative exercises after breast cancer surgery: Results of a RCT evaluating standard care versus standard care plus additional yoga exercise

“…Previous observational studies in women following breast cancer surgery with or without lymphoedema demonstrated some preliminary effects in favour of the yoga intervention, but studies were not representative due to small sample sizes [19][20][21]32,33].…”

“…Preliminary results of yoga interventions for arm and shoulder morbidity demonstrate improvements in physical function and symptom relief [19], in shoulder abduction and flexion [20], and decreased arm volume in women with breast cancer related lymphoedema [21]. 4 However, these studies were observational and have small sample sizes (6-18 participants).…”

Bowenwork for symptom management of women breast cancer survivors with lymphedema: A pilot study

“…Complementary therapies are gaining recognition for the treatment of lymphedema (Finnane, Liu, Battistutta, Janda, & Hayes, 2011;Fisher et al, 2014;Henneghan & Harrison, 2015;Rodrick et al, 2014;Smith, Pirotta, & Kilbreath, 2014;Wanchai et al, 2013) such as, acupunture, yoga, aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, naturopathy, reflexology, Reiki, Tai Chi, and/or pilates (Finnane et al, 2011;. A feasibility study introducing a combined treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion showed promise for improved mental health and related symptoms of bodily pain and vitality for women breast cancer survivors with upper arm lymphedema (de Valois, Young, & Melsome, 2012 The characteristics of the sample were reflective of the recruitment locations and showed a positive community interest.…”

“…Ridner et al, 2013;Shah et al, 2012). With the emergence of nontraditional therapies, treating the adverse effects of lymphedema is gaining recognition in the United States (Acebedo, 2015;Fisher et al, 2014; S.H. Ridner et al, 2013;Rodrick et al, 2014;Wanchai, Armer, & Stewart, 2010a, 2010b.…”

Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment

“…A meta-analysis showed that active exercising reduces edema volume in BCRL (26). A recent pilot study demonstrated that yoga has beneficial effects on an individuals' posture and strength (27).…”