Home-based Compression Therapy for Arm and Truncal Lymphedema in Breast Cancer

Detailed Summary

No studies have tested the potential benefit of the Flexitouch® truncal/chest garments on reducing truncal lymphedema in breast cancer survivors (BCS) or the theoretical added benefit of applying truncal/chest pneumatic compression therapy to open lymph channels in individuals who have only limb lymphedema or its impact on the trunk/chest. The purpose of this two-part study is to fill gaps related to: 1) the impact of the Flexitouch® System on truncal lymphedema, and 2) the therapeutic benefit of truncal /chest pneumatic compression therapy for arm lymphedema. Hypotheses: Part One: BCS with arm and truncal lymphedema. H1: Arm swelling (as measured by bioelectrical impedance \& arm girth in cm) will be reduced after 10 sessions with the Flexitouch® System. H2: Truncal swelling (as measured circumferentially) will be reduced after 10 sessions with the Flexitouch® System. H3: The number, severity, and intensity, of physical and psychological symptoms (as measured by the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Scale: Trunk and Arm) will be reduced after 10 sessions with the Flexitouch® System. H4: Functional assessment scores (as measured by the Functional Assessment Screening Questionnaire \[FASQ\] will improve after 10 sessions with the Flexitouch® System. Part Two: BCS with Arm Lymphedema H1: Arm volume (as measured by bioelectrical impedance \& arm girth in cm) will be significantly reduced after one month of home use in participants using the Flexitouch® System (truncal, chest, and arm compression) when compared to those using the Flexitouch® System (arm compression only). H2: Truncal measurements/volume (as measured circumferentially) will be less after one month of home use with the Flexitouch® System (truncal, chest, and arm compression) when compared to those using the Flexitouch® System (arm compression only). H3: The number, severity, and intensity, of physical and psychological symptoms (as measured by Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Scale - Arm ) will be significantly reduced after one month of home use with the Flexitouch® System (truncal, chest, and arm garments) when compared to individuals using the Flexitouch® System (arm compression only) . H4: Functional assessment scores (as measured by the FASQ) will be significantly higher after one month of home use with the Flexitouch® System (truncal, chest, and arm garments) when compared to individuals using the Flexitouch® System (arm compression only).

Study Details

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Interventions