Participation in an upper-body exercise program produced no physical improvement for women with lymphedema after breast cancer, but they may have experienced an improvement in quality of life, according to Canadian researchers.

The researchers from the University of British Columbia reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on the effect of a progressive upper-body exercise program on breast cancer survivors with unilateral upper extremity lymphedema.

Seven women were put into an exercise group that followed a progressive, 8-week upper-body exercise program consisting of resistance training plus aerobic exercise using a Monark Rehab Trainer arm ergometer, while seven other women formed the control group.

"Participation in an upper-body exercise program caused no changes in arm circumference or arm volume in women with lymphedema after breast cancer," the researchers reported.

But, the researchers said, the women "may have experienced an increase in quality of life." Three of the quality-of-life domains showed trends toward increases in the exercise group: physical functioning, general health, and vitality. Mental health increased, although not significantly.

"Additional studies should be done in this area to determine the optimum training program," the researchers concluded.

Other sources: Journal of Clinical Oncology