Breast Cancer LymphedemaNCT05983380
The Effect of Hand Exercises on Upper Limb Volume, Quality of Life, and Hand Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
A study testing Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises in people with Breast Cancer Lymphedema, run by Texas Woman's University at 3 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Breast Cancer Lymphedema
- What is being tested?
- Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2023to 30 Dec 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Biologic women age 18 years or older with a diagnosis of clinical lymphedema of one upper extremity-early (clinical), moderate, or late stage, following treatment for breast cancer within the previous 10 years.
- Women concurrently receiving immunotherapy or chemotherapy are eligible for inclusion, but an additional information request may be necessary (e.g., any activity restrictions and nadir periods) to determine whether they can safely participate in the exercise activities and apply compression.
Who cannot join
- Prior history of paresis in either upper limb, though paresis related to nerve compression from increased lymphatic volume will be eligible for inclusion.
- Current open wounds (> 0.5 inch in length or diameter) of the axilla or edematous upper limb would be excluded, though the presence of lymphorrhea without visible skin tears will be eligible for inclusion.
- Previous treatment for upper limb lymphedema or a prior diagnosis of congestive heart failure or end-stage renal disease due to the impact on edematous limbs and risk of cardiac overload.
- Women who cannot speak or read English or Spanish sufficiently to complete the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale or understand the consent forms, educational information, and printed exercises will be excluded.
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
United States3 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
Presbyterian Healthplex
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109
Elisabeth Wise, DPT, EWise@phs.org
- Recruiting
Presbyterian Southern Outpatient Rehab
Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124
Elisabeth Wise, DPT, EWise@phs.org
- Recruiting
Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87507
Elisabeth Wise, DPT, EWise@phs.org
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises on Upper Limb Volume, Quality of Life, and Hand Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Researchers will compare those receiving the usual treatment to those receiving the usual treatment plus hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises.
Read the detailed description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing early, moderate, or late stage breast cancer-related lymphedema.
This study is an experimental clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of hand mobility and grip exercises on limb volume, quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. The two independent variables are group, a between-subject factor, and time, a within subject factor. There are two levels of the independent variable of group: (1)usual care plus hand exercises and (2) usual care alone. The independent variable of time will be assessed at three timepoints: initial to 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and initial to 8 weeks of intervention. The four dependent variables are: (1) upper limb volume, (2) quality of life, (3) hand dexterity, and (4) grip strength. If a relationship (r>0.5) is found between any of the dependent variables, MANOVA will used for analysis. If no relationship is found, a 2x3 mixed ANOVA will be used to analyze each dependent variable without a significant relationship to the others. The comparison group will receive the usual physical or occupational therapy treatment, including compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage, shoulder and scapular muscle exercises, and education regarding skin hygiene and monitoring. The experimental group will receive the usual treatment plus additional hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises.
- Conditions
- Breast Cancer Lymphedema
- Being tested
- Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises, Usual Care
- Medical subject headings
- Breast Cancer Lymphedema
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening ExercisesOther
Addition of hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema to assess changes in limb volume, quality of life, and hand function.
Usual CareOther
Manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, skin hygiene.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Participants will receive hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises in addition to the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema of the upper limb. Receives: Other: Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises; Other: Usual Care |
| Comparison | Active comparator | Participants will receive only the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Receives: Other: Usual Care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Upper Limb volume
Circumferential measurements of the upper limb, converted to volumetric measurements with frustrum equation through Epic EMR.
Measured: Day 1, at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Secondary outcomes (3)
Grip Strength
Grip Strength assessed with Jamar Hand Dynamometer.
Measured: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Nine-Hole Peg Test
Nine-Hole Peg Test with affected limb only to assess dexterity.
Measured: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Lymphedema Life Impact Scale
Participants fill out Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, a self-report survey to assess quality of life.
Measured: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Aug 2023
- Study start1 Oct 2023
- Primary completion30 Sep 2024 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2024 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Breast Cancer LymphedemaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two groups will be compared, with treatment occurring at the same time. One group will receive the experimental exercises plus the usual treatment, the comparison group will only receive the usual treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Texas Woman's University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Elisabeth Wise, Texas Woman's University
- Investigators
- Elisabeth Wise, DPT, Principal investigator, Texas Woman's University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05983380
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FY2023-183
- Status last verified
- Apr 2024
- First submitted
- 20 Jul 2023
- Last updated
- 17 Apr 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: No plan to share IPD with other researchers.
Publications
Ahmad FB, Anderson RN. The Leading Causes of Death in the US for 2020. JAMA. 2021 May 11;325(18):1829-1830. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.5469. No abstract available.
PubMed 33787821Ahmed RL, Prizment A, Lazovich D, Schmitz KH, Folsom AR. Lymphedema and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: the Iowa Women's Health Study. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Dec 10;26(35):5689-96. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2008.16.4731. Epub 2008 Nov 10.
PubMed 19001331Chromy A, Zalud L, Dobsak P, Suskevic I, Mrkvicova V. Limb volume measurements: comparison of accuracy and decisive parameters of the most used present methods. Springerplus. 2015 Nov 19;4:707. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1468-7. eCollection 2015.
PubMed 26618096Davies C, Levenhagen K, Ryans K, Perdomo M, Gilchrist L. Interventions for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of APTA. Phys Ther. 2020 Jul 19;100(7):1163-1179. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa087.
PubMed 32589208De Groef A, Van Kampen M, Dieltjens E, Christiaens MR, Neven P, Geraerts I, Devoogdt N. Effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy for upper-limb impairments after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jun;96(6):1140-53. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Jan 13.
PubMed 25595999Feys P, Lamers I, Francis G, Benedict R, Phillips G, LaRocca N, Hudson LD, Rudick R; Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium. The Nine-Hole Peg Test as a manual dexterity performance measure for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2017 Apr;23(5):711-720. doi: 10.1177/1352458517690824. Epub 2017 Feb 16.
PubMed 28206826Giray E, Akyuz G. Assessment of Family Caregiver Burden and Its Relationships Between Quality of Life, Arm Disability, Grip Strength, and Lymphedema Symptoms in Women with Postmastectomy Lymphedema: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. Eur J Breast Health. 2019 Feb 15;15(2):111-118. doi: 10.5152/ejbh.2019.4385. eCollection 2019 Apr.
PubMed 31001613
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Apr 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises on Upper Limb Volume, Quality of Life, and Hand Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05983380
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FY2023-183
- Conditions
- Breast Cancer Lymphedema
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Texas Woman's UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2024 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2024 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Researchers will compare those receiving the usual treatment to those receiving the usual treatment plus hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises.
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing early, moderate, or late stage breast cancer-related lymphedema.
This study is an experimental clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of hand mobility and grip exercises on limb volume, quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. The two independent variables are group, a between-subject factor, and time, a within subject factor. There are two levels of the independent variable of group: (1)usual care plus hand exercises and (2) usual care alone. The independent variable of time will be assessed at three timepoints: initial to 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and initial to 8 weeks of intervention. The four dependent variables are: (1) upper limb volume, (2) quality of life, (3) hand dexterity, and (4) grip strength. If a relationship (r>0.5) is found between any of the dependent variables, MANOVA will used for analysis. If no relationship is found, a 2x3 mixed ANOVA will be used to analyze each dependent variable without a significant relationship to the others. The comparison group will receive the usual physical or occupational therapy treatment, including compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage, shoulder and scapular muscle exercises, and education regarding skin hygiene and monitoring. The experimental group will receive the usual treatment plus additional hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two groups will be compared, with treatment occurring at the same time. One group will receive the experimental exercises plus the usual treatment, the comparison group will only receive the usual treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Other: Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises, Other: Usual CareParticipants will receive hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises in addition to the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema of the upper limb. |
| Comparison | Active comparator | Other: Usual CareParticipants will receive only the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Biologic women age 18 years or older with a diagnosis of clinical lymphedema of one upper extremity-early (clinical), moderate, or late stage, following treatment for breast cancer within the previous 10 years.
- Women concurrently receiving immunotherapy or chemotherapy are eligible for inclusion, but an additional information request may be necessary (e.g., any activity restrictions and nadir periods) to determine whether they can safely participate in the exercise activities and apply compression.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Prior history of paresis in either upper limb, though paresis related to nerve compression from increased lymphatic volume will be eligible for inclusion.
- Current open wounds (> 0.5 inch in length or diameter) of the axilla or edematous upper limb would be excluded, though the presence of lymphorrhea without visible skin tears will be eligible for inclusion.
- Previous treatment for upper limb lymphedema or a prior diagnosis of congestive heart failure or end-stage renal disease due to the impact on edematous limbs and risk of cardiac overload.
- Women who cannot speak or read English or Spanish sufficiently to complete the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale or understand the consent forms, educational information, and printed exercises will be excluded.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening ExercisesAddition of hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for breast cancer-related lymphedema to assess changes in limb volume, quality of life, and hand function. | Other | Experimental |
| Usual CareManual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, skin hygiene. | Other | Comparison, Experimental |
Primary outcome
Upper Limb volume
Time frame: Day 1, at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Circumferential measurements of the upper limb, converted to volumetric measurements with frustrum equation through Epic EMR.
3 secondary outcomes
Grip Strength
Time frame: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Nine-Hole Peg Test
Time frame: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Lymphedema Life Impact Scale
Time frame: Day 1, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Apr 2024.
- Background: PubMed 33787821Ahmad FB, Anderson RN. The Leading Causes of Death in the US for 2020. JAMA. 2021 May 11;325(18):1829-1830. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.5469. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 19001331Ahmed RL, Prizment A, Lazovich D, Schmitz KH, Folsom AR. Lymphedema and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: the Iowa Women's Health Study. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Dec 10;26(35):5689-96. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2008.16.4731. Epub 2008 Nov 10.
- Background: PubMed 26618096Chromy A, Zalud L, Dobsak P, Suskevic I, Mrkvicova V. Limb volume measurements: comparison of accuracy and decisive parameters of the most used present methods. Springerplus. 2015 Nov 19;4:707. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1468-7. eCollection 2015.
- Background: PubMed 32589208Davies C, Levenhagen K, Ryans K, Perdomo M, Gilchrist L. Interventions for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of APTA. Phys Ther. 2020 Jul 19;100(7):1163-1179. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa087.
- Background: PubMed 25595999De Groef A, Van Kampen M, Dieltjens E, Christiaens MR, Neven P, Geraerts I, Devoogdt N. Effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy for upper-limb impairments after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jun;96(6):1140-53. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Jan 13.
- Background: PubMed 28206826Feys P, Lamers I, Francis G, Benedict R, Phillips G, LaRocca N, Hudson LD, Rudick R; Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium. The Nine-Hole Peg Test as a manual dexterity performance measure for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2017 Apr;23(5):711-720. doi: 10.1177/1352458517690824. Epub 2017 Feb 16.
- Background: PubMed 31001613Giray E, Akyuz G. Assessment of Family Caregiver Burden and Its Relationships Between Quality of Life, Arm Disability, Grip Strength, and Lymphedema Symptoms in Women with Postmastectomy Lymphedema: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. Eur J Breast Health. 2019 Feb 15;15(2):111-118. doi: 10.5152/ejbh.2019.4385. eCollection 2019 Apr.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. No plan to share IPD with other researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Elisabeth Wise, DPT principal investigator
Texas Woman's University
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hand Mobility and Grip Strengthening Exercises in people with Breast Cancer Lymphedema, run by Texas Woman's University at 3 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Apr 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Elisabeth Wise, DPT (505-772-1770, EWise@phs.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Upper Limb volume (time frame: Day 1, at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks of treatment/completion of study.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05983380, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Apr 2024.