Effect of yoga on oedema and quality of life in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Post-mastectomy lymphoedema can lead to limitation in daily activities and have a negative impact on quality of life.

AIM: This study explored the effect of yoga exercise on upper limb lymphoedema volume and quality of life in post-mastectomy patients.

METHODS

A total of 112 post-mastectomy patients were recruited for this randomised controlled trial using a purposive sampling method, of whom 96 participants completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. After initial assessments using the volumetric-tank technique and the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, the intervention group received yoga exercises. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software with independent t-test, paired t-test and covariance test.

RESULTS

After the intervention, significant differences were found in upper limb lymphoedema volume and mean scores of the Lymphoedema Life Impact Scale and its physical and functional domains (P<0.05).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians and nurses can incorporate blended (in-person and online) yoga programmes into self-management and rehabilitation plans to enhance accessibility and adherence. These findings support allocating resources toward low-cost, adaptable yoga interventions within breast cancer survivorship care pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Yoga was found to be a safe and effective complementary approach for reducing upper limb lymphoedema in early stages and improving wellbeing in post-mastectomy patients without comorbidities. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in other populations, or in advanced stages of lymphoedema.