Inge Geraerts

Effect of manual lymph drainage in addition to guidelines and exercise therapy on arm lymphoedema related to breast cancer: randomised controlled trial.

Objective To determine the preventive effect of manual lymph drainage on the development of lymphoedema related to breast cancer. Design Randomised single blinded controlled trial. Setting University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Participants 160 consecutive patients with breast cancer and unilateral axillary lymph node dissection. The randomisation was stratified for body mass index (BMI) and axillary irradiation and treatment allocation was concealed. Randomisation was done independently from recruitment and treatment. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Intervention For six months the intervention group (n=79) performed a treatment programme consisting of guidelines about the prevention of lymphoedema, exercise therapy, and manual lymph drainage. The control group (n=81) performed the same programme without manual lymph drainage. Main outcome measures Cumulative incidence of arm lymphoedema and time to develop arm lymphoedema, defined as an increase in arm volume of 200 mL or more in the value before surgery. Results Four patients in the intervention group and two in the control group were lost to follow-up. At 12 months after surgery, the cumulative incidence rate for arm lymphoedema was comparable between the intervention group (24%) and control group (19%) (odds ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 0.6 to 2.9; P=0.45). The time to develop arm lymphoedema was comparable between the two group during the first year after surgery (hazard ratio 1.3, 0.6 to 2.5; P=0.49). The sample size calculation was based on a presumed odds ratio of 0.3, which is not included in the 95% confidence interval. This odds ratio was calculated as (presumed cumulative incidence of lymphoedema in intervention group/presumed cumulative incidence of no lymphoedema in intervention group)×(presumed cumulative incidence of no lymphoedema in control group/presumed cumulative incidence of lymphoedema in control group) or (10/90)×(70/30). Conclusion Manual lymph drainage in addition to guidelines and exercise therapy after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer is unlikely to have a medium to large effect in reducing the incidence of arm lymphoedema in the short term. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register No NTR 1055.

Effectiveness of Postoperative Physical Therapy for Upper-Limb Impairments After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE To systematically review the effectiveness of various postoperative physical therapy modalities and timing of physical therapy after treatment of breast cancer on pain and impaired range of motion (ROM) of the upper limb. DATA SOURCES We searched the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane. Articles published until October 2012 were included. STUDY SELECTION Only (pseudo) randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized experimental trials investigating the effectiveness of passive mobilization, manual stretching, myofascial therapy, and/or exercise therapy and timing of physical therapy after treatment for breast cancer are reviewed. Primary outcomes are pain of the upper limb and/or ROM of the shoulder. Secondary outcomes are decreased shoulder strength, arm lymphedema, limitations in activities of daily living, decreased quality of life, and wound drainage volume. Physical therapy modalities had to be started in the first 6 weeks after surgery. DATA EXTRACTION Articles were selected by 2 independent researchers in 3 phases and compared for consensus. First the titles were analyzed, and then the selected abstracts and finally the full texts were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Eighteen randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Three studies investigated the effect of multifactorial therapy: 2 studies confirmed that the combination of general exercises and stretching is effective for the treatment of impaired ROM another study showed that passive mobilization combined with massage had no beneficial effects on pain and impaired ROM. Fifteen studies investigated the effectiveness of a single physical therapy modality. One study of poor quality found evidence supporting the beneficial effects of passive mobilization. The only study investigating the effect of stretching did not find any beneficial effects. No studies were found about the effectiveness of myofascial therapy in the postoperative phase. Five studies found that active exercises were more effective than no therapy or information on the treatment of impairments of the upper limb. Three studies supported the early start of exercises for recovery of shoulder ROM, whereas 4 studies supported the delay of exercises to avoid prolonged wound healing. CONCLUSIONS Multifactorial physical therapy (ie, stretching, exercises) and active exercises were effective to treat postoperative pain and impaired ROM after treatment for breast cancer. High-quality studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of passive mobilization, stretching, and myofascial therapy as part of the multifactorial treatment. In addition, the appropriate timing and content of the exercise programs need to be further investigated.

Different physical treatment modalities for lymphoedema developing after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A review

The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review of Combined Physical Therapy, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression and arm elevation for the treatment of lymphoedema secondary to an axillary dissection for breast cancer. Combined Physical Therapy starts with an intensive phase consisting of skin care, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, exercises and bandaging and continues with a maintenance phase consisting of skin care, exercises, wearing a compression sleeve and Manual Lymphatic Drainage if needed. We have searched the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and Cochrane. Only (pseudo-) randomised controlled trials and non-randomised experimental trials investigating the effectiveness of Combined Physical Therapy and its different parts, of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression and of arm elevation were included. These physical treatments had to be applied to patients with arm lymphoedema which developed after axillary dissection for breast cancer. Ten randomised controlled trials, one pseudo-randomised controlled trial and four non-randomised experimental trials were found and analysed. Combined Physical Therapy can be considered as an effective treatment modality for lymphoedema. Bandaging the arm is effective, whether its effectiveness is investigated on a heterogeneous group consisting of patients with upper and lower limb lymphoedema from different causes. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. The effectiveness of skin care, exercises, wearing a compression sleeve and arm elevation is not investigated by a controlled trial. Intermittent Pneumatic Compression is effective, but once the treatment is interrupted, the lymphoedema volume increases. In conclusion, Combined Physical Therapy is an effective therapy for lymphoedema. However, the effectiveness of its different components remains uncertain. Furthermore, high-quality studies are warranted. The long-term effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression and the effect of elevation on lymphoedema are not yet proven.

Prospective evaluation of urinary incontinence, voiding symptoms and quality of life after open and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

To compare functional outcomes, i.e. urinary incontinence (UI), voiding symptoms and quality of life, after open (ORP) and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF): Reliability and Validity

Background Lymphedema occurs frequently after axillary dissection for breast cancer and causes significant physical and psychosocial problems. To plan the treatment for lymphedema and monitor the patients progress, arm swelling and arm function need to be assessed. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability (test-retest, internal consistency, measurement variability) and validity (content and construct) of data obtained with the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health questionnaire (Lymph-ICF). Methods The Lymph-ICF is a descriptive and evaluative tool and consists of 29 questions about impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of patients with breast cancer and arm lymphedema. The questionnaire is divided into 5 domains: physical function, mental function, household activities, mobility activities, and life and social activities. Reliability and validity were examined on 60 patients with lymphedema and 30 patients without lymphedema. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from .65 to .93. Cronbach alpha coefficients for internal consistency were higher than .70. There were no systematic changes from the first test to the second test, and measurement variability was acceptable (standard errors of measurement=4.8–12.5). Content validity was good because all questions were understandable for all participants, the scoring system (visual analog scale) was clear for 88% of the participants, and all complaints due to arm lymphedema were mentioned by 85% of the participants. Construct validity was good. There was good convergent validity because 5 expected domains of the Lymph-ICF had the strongest correlation with 5 expected domains of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Thus, the 5 hypotheses assessing convergent validity were accepted. There was acceptable divergent validity because 3 of 5 hypotheses assessing divergent validity were accepted. There was good known-groups validity because patients with lymphedema had a higher total score on the Lymph-ICF and had a higher score on each domain and on each question (except one) compared with patients without lymphedema. Conclusion The Lymph-ICF is a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of patients with arm lymphedema after axillary dissection for breast cancer.

An Easy Prediction of Urinary Incontinence Duration After Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy Based on Urine Loss the First Day After Catheter Withdrawal

PURPOSE We sought to predict the duration of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy based on potential risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 104 patients after radical retropubic prostatectomy at University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven. To evaluate incontinence a 24-hour pad test, a 1-hour pad test, a visual analog scale and a questionnaire were used. Patients were considered continent when they stopped wearing incontinence pads, when 24 and 1-hour pad tests showed less than 2 gm urine loss, and when patients considered themselves continent. On univariate and multivariate analyses we examined the influence of different risk factors on the duration of incontinence. RESULTS The amount of urine loss the first day after catheter withdrawal was the only predictor of the duration of urinary incontinence on univariate and multivariate analyses. Patient age was significant but only on univariate analysis. The duration of incontinence after prostatectomy was estimated. The average time needed to regain continence was 8, 16, 29, 29 and 70 days in men who lost 2 to 50, 51 to 100, 101 to 200, 201 to 500 and more than 500 gm urine, respectively, on day 1. CONCLUSIONS The amount of urine loss on day 1 after catheter withdrawal is the most important predictive factor in terms of regaining urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. An estimation table can provide realistic information to the patient regarding the duration of urinary incontinence.

Influence of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises on Full Spectrum Therapy for Nocturnal Enuresis

PURPOSE We investigated the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on the efficacy of full spectrum therapy and maximal voided volume in children with nocturnal enuresis. We also determined factors predicting treatment outcome, full spectrum therapy duration and the relapse rate. Full spectrum therapy is a combination of alarm, reward, timed voiding and drinking, over learning and pelvic floor muscle training. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 63 consecutive children were referred to the physiotherapy department for full spectrum therapy to resolve nocturnal enuresis, including 32 in the experimental group who underwent full spectrum therapy with pelvic floor muscle training and 31 in the control group who underwent full spectrum therapy without training. RESULTS There was no significant difference in treatment outcome, duration, maximal voided volume and relapse between the 2 groups. Of all children 89% became dry within 6 months. During the year after treatment 33.3% and 37.9% of the experimental and control groups relapsed, while the relapse rate at 1 year was 7.4% and 20.7%, respectively. Age and child motivation were associated with the duration of success (p = 0.04 and <0.01, respectively). Secondary enuresis and psychosocial problems were factors significantly related to relapse (each p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS There is no beneficial effect of including pelvic floor muscle training in full spectrum therapy. Older children and those with better motivation experienced more rapid success. Factors predicting relapse were secondary enuresis and psychosocial problems.

Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL): Reliability and Validity

Background Patients may develop primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired) lymphedema, causing significant physical and psychosocial problems. To plan treatment for lymphedema and monitor a patients progress, swelling, and problems in functioning associated with lymphedema development should be assessed at baseline and follow-up. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability (test-retest, internal consistency, and measurement variability) and validity (content and construct) of data obtained with the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL). Design This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Methods The Lymph-ICF-LL is a descriptive, evaluative tool containing 28 questions about impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with lower limb lymphedema. The questionnaire has 5 domains: physical function, mental function, general tasks/household activities, mobility activities, and life domains/social life. The reliability and validity of the Lymph-ICF-LL were examined in 30 participants with objective lower limb lymphedema. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from .69 to .94, and Cronbach alpha coefficients for internal consistency ranged from .82 to .97. Measurement variability was acceptable (standard error of measurement=5.9–12.6). Content validity was good because all questions were understandable for 93% of participants, the scoring system (visual analog scale) was clear, and the questionnaire was comprehensive for 90% of participants. Construct validity was good. All hypotheses for assessing convergent validity and divergent validity were accepted. Limitations The known-groups validity and responsiveness of the Dutch Lymph-ICF-LL and the cross-cultural validity of the English version of the Lymph-ICF-LL were not investigated. Conclusions The Lymph-ICF-LL is a Dutch questionnaire with evidence of reliability and validity for assessing impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in people with primary or secondary lower limb lymphedema.

Inter-rater reliability of shoulder measurements in middle-aged women

OBJECTIVES To investigate inter-rater reliability of a set of shoulder measurements including inclinometry [shoulder range of motion (ROM)], acromion-table distance and pectoralis minor muscle length (static scapular positioning), upward rotation with two inclinometers (scapular kinematics) and pain pressure thresholds (muscle tenderness) in middle-aged women. DESIGN Observational study. PARTICIPANTS Thirty symptom-free middle-aged women (first cohort) were measured by two raters. All measurements with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) below 0.75 were retested after an additional training period in a second cohort of 30 symptom-free middle-aged women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Inter-rater reliability of all variables was measured with the ICC (95% confidence interval) and standard error of measurement (SEM). RESULTS Acromion-table distance (ICC=0.91, SEM 0.22 to 0.28% of body length), pectoralis minor muscle length (ICC=0.91, SEM 0.16% of body length), pain pressure thresholds (ICC=0.78 to 0.85, SEM 0.39 to 0.70kg) and abduction ROM (ICC=0.77, SEM 5°) showed good to excellent inter-rater reliability in the first cohort. After an additional training period, forward flexion ROM showed good inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.83, SEM 5°), scapular upward rotation in resting position showed moderate reliability (ICC=0.52, SEM 2°), and other scaption angles showed weak reliability (ICC=0.26 to 0.43, SEM 3 to 8°). CONCLUSIONS In a battery of clinical tools to evaluate factors contributing to shoulder pain, static scapular positioning and pressure pain thresholds were found to have good to excellent inter-rater reliability in middle-aged women. Additional training is recommended for measurements with a gravity inclinometer.

An evaluation tool for myofascial adhesions in patients after breast cancer (MAP-BC evaluation tool): Development and interrater reliability

Purpose To develop a tool to evaluate myofascial adhesions objectively in patients with breast cancer and to investigate its interrater reliability. Methods 1) Development of the evaluation tool. Literature was searched, experts in the field of myofascial therapy were consulted and pilot testing was performed. 2) Thirty patients (63% had a mastectomy, 37% breast-conserving surgery and 97% radiotherapy) with myofascial adhesions were evaluated using the developed tool by 2 independent raters. The Weighted Kappa (WK) and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Results 1) The evaluation tool for Myofascial Adhesions in Patients with Breast Cancer (MAP-BC evaluation tool) consisted of the assessment of myofascial adhesions at 7 locations: axillary and breast region scars, musculi pectorales region, axilla, frontal chest wall, lateral chest wall and the inframammary fold. At each location the degree of the myofascial adhesion was scored at three levels (skin, superficial and deep) on a 4-points scale (between no adhesions and very stiff adhesions). Additionally, a total score (0–9) was calculated, i.e. the sum of the different levels of each location. 2) Interrater agreement of the different levels separately was moderate for the axillary and mastectomy scar (WK 0.62–0.73) and good for the scar on the breast (WK >0.75). Moderate agreement was reached for almost all levels of the non-scar locations. Interrater reliability of the total scores was the highest for the scars (ICC 0.82–0.99). At non-scar locations good interrater reliability was reached, except for the inframammary fold (ICC = 0.71). Conclusions The total scores of all locations of the MAP-BC evaluation tool had good to excellent interrater reliability, except for the inframammary fold which only reached moderate reliability.