Feasibility and Impact of 6-Month Rowing on Arm Lymphedema, Flexibility, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15465488
AutoresEster Tommasini (0000-0003-2796-0688, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Paolo Bruseghini (0000-0003-0285-5443, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Francesca Rovera (0000-0001-8172-3339, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Lariana), A Grande (University of Insubria), Christel Galvani (0000-0002-0126-6033, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume22
Fascículo7
Páginas987-987
Data de publicação2025-06-23
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditoraMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22070987
PMID40724054
OpenAlexW4411605922
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas6

Dragon boating and rowing are reported to be safe and provide physical benefits for women with breast cancer. Sculling, characterized by a distinct biomechanical technique, may serve as a potential tool to mitigate the adverse side effects of cancer treatments. This study investigated the feasibility and impact of a 6-month integrated physical activity program in breast cancer survivors. A longitudinal intervention study was conducted involving 20 women with breast cancer (age: 55.8 ± 6.1 yrs; BMI: 24.6 ± 3.3 kg/m 2 , stages I-III; surgery performed 6 months to 20 years prior) who participated in a 6-month exercise program consisting of three weekly one-hour sessions of adapted physical activity, walking, and sculling, with assessments conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Physical activity, arm lymphedema, flexibility, and fatigue were tested. The program did not lead to the development or worsening of pre-existing lymphedema. A reduction of 78.9 cm 3 was observed in the operated limb over 6 months ( p = 0.005). An improvement in flexibility was also observed with a 2.7 cm increase in the back scratch test for the operated limb ( p < 0.001). However, no significant change in fatigue-related variables was recorded. This is a novel study, as sculling has not previously been investigated in the context of breast cancer rehabilitation. The findings suggested that, when integrated into a structured exercise program, sculling is not only a safe and accessible activity but also effective in promoting physical and health-related improvements, with no adverse events reported. Therefore, it should be considered as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for breast cancer survivors

Adverse effect · Breast cancer · Cancer · Context (archaeology · Flexibility (engineering · Lymphedema · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Rowing · Cancer survivorship and care · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Lymphatic System and Diseases · Medicine · Internal Medicine