A pilot randomized trial evaluating low-level laser therapy as an alternative treatment to manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema
Ridner SH, Poage-Hooper E, Kanar C, Doersam JK, Bond SM, Dietrich MS
Oncology nursing forum · 40 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- Nonprofit
- Oncology Nursing Society Foundation
- University or hospital
- Vanderbilt University
- Government
- National Institutes of Health
- Government
- National Center for Research Resources
- Government
- NCRR NIH HHS
- Grants
- National Center for Research Resources (UL1-RR024975)
Based on 5 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2013-06-26 · Oncol Nurs Forum · vol. 40 · issue 4 · pp. 383–393
- Publisher
- Oncology Nursing Society
- Cited
- 81 citations · more than 93% of similar papers · 3.2× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 37 works
- Access
- Open access (repository copy)
- Research areas
- Lymphatic System and Diseases · Lymphatic Disorders and Treatments · Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Diseases
- Keywords
- Medicine, Lymphedema, Breast cancer, Quality of life (healthcare), Randomized controlled trial, Low level laser therapy, Lymphatic system, Physical therapy, Laser therapy, Cancer, Internal medicine, Nursing, Laser, Pathology
- MeSH
- humans, breast neoplasms, lymphedema, treatment outcome, musculoskeletal manipulations, drainage, pilot projects, bandages, psychological tests, quality of life, aged, middle aged, female, oncology nursing, low-level light therapy
6 authors
From US
- Sheila Hedden RidnerVanderbilt University
- Ellen Poage-HooperNaples Anesthesia & Physician Associates
- Collin KanarNaples Anesthesia & Physician Associates
- Jennifer K. DoersamNaples Anesthesia & Physician Associates
- Stewart M. BondVanderbilt University
- Mary S. DietrichBoston College
Abstract
Purpose/objectives
To examine the impact of advanced practice nurse (APN)-administered low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as both a stand-alone and complementary treatment for arm volume, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Design
A three-group, pilot, randomized clinical trial.
Setting
A private rehabilitation practice in the southeastern United States.
Sample
46 breast cancer survivors with treatment-related lymphedema.
Methods
Patients were screened for eligibility and then randomized to either manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for 40 minutes, LLLT for 20 minutes, or 20 minutes of MLD followed by 20 minutes of LLLT. Compression bandaging was applied after each treatment. Data were collected pretreatment, daily, weekly, and at the end of treatment.
Main research variables
Independent variables consisted of three types of APN-administered lymphedema treatment. Outcome variables included limb volume, extracellular fluid, psychological and physical symptoms, and QOL.
Findings
No statistically significant between-group differences were found in volume reduction; however, all groups had clinically and statistically significant reduction in volume. No group differences were noted in psychological and physical symptoms or QOL; however, treatment-related improvements were noted in symptom burden within all groups. Skin improvement was noted in each group that received LLLT.
Conclusions
LLLT with bandaging may offer a time-saving therapeutic option to conventional MLD. Alternatively, compression bandaging alone could account for the demonstrated volume reduction.
Implications for nursing
APNs can effectively treat lymphedema. APNs in private healthcare practices can serve as valuable research collaborators.
Knowledge translation
Lasers may provide effective, less burdensome treatment for lymphedema. APNs with lymphedema certification can effectively treat this patient population with the use of LLLT. In addition, bioelectrical impedance and tape measurements can be used to assess lymphedema.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher.
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