Aquatic Exercise Study for Breast Cancer Patients With Lymphedema

This pilot study will examine the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in reducing Lymphedema. The study is designed for breast cancer patients who have developed Lymphedema following cancer treatment. Potential study participants should have explored conventional treatments such as decongestive therapy and lymph drainage massage before joining the study.

There are two groups that the participants may choose from until enrollment for the group has reached its capacity.The active arm of the study will attend 12 one-hour aquatic exercise classes and classes will be held in an indoor heated pool. There is no cost to the participants.Both the active arm and the control group (not attending aquatic exercise classes) will have 3 measurement assessments that will compare the circumference and volumetric measurement of arms, as well as height, weight and body mass index (BMI).

Both group will fill out a program questionnaire. Quality of life survey taken at baseline, week 6, month 6 and 12 will be compared. A follow up questionnaire will be completed at 6 and 12 month intervals, and annually for five years.

Inclusion criteria

• Breast cancer patients with Lymphedema
• Patients must have received standard Lymphedema treatment (Complete Decongestive Therapy) prior to participating in the study.
• Patients undergoing treatment will require written permission from their physician
• Complete an assessment by a licensed physical therapist before beginning the exercise program
• Patients must sign a consent form to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing treatment without physician's written permission
• Patients with health problems that contraindicate exercise
• Patients are not eligible if the physical therapy assessment identifies a contraindication to participation

Inclusion of Women and Minorities:

• Men, women and minorities with breast cancer related lymphedema are eligible