Effectiveness of a comprehensive exercise programme for lower limb lymphoedema: a case study

BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy has been proposed as a complementary intervention to improve physical function and potentially support lymphatic flow. However, few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of exercise therapy for lower-extremity lymphoedema. AIMS: This case study describes the outcomes of a comprehensive exercise programme for a patient with lower-extremity lymphoedema following uterine cancer surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A comprehensive exercise programme was implemented to examine the changes in limb circumference, body composition, muscle strength and quality of life before and after the intervention. The patient had undergone an extensive hysterectomy and lymph node dissection for uterine cancer in 2011. She developed lymphoedema in the left lower extremity in 2016. OUTCOME: There were no changes in limb circumference or muscle mass on either the affected or healthy side before and after the 3-month intervention. However, muscle strength increased during extension and flexion of the healthy knee. Quality of life scores increased in the social functioning domain. CONCLUSIONS: The observed increase in muscle strength and improvement in social functioning scores indicate that an extensive exercise programme may reduce the burden of daily living.