Comparison of extracorporeal shock waves therapy versus intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema

Background and Objective: The development of lymphedema in an upper extremity is one of the most common complications of breast cancer treatment. The aim of this single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study was to compare the effect of Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) versus intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) on upper limb circumferences, skin folds thickness and handgrip strength in women with lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Materials an Methods: A total of 43 patients aged from 45-55 years randomly assigned to ESWT group (n = 21) who were treated by ESWT with 2500 shocks per session, 3 times/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions) with frequency of 4Hz with the energy flow density of 90 mJ and IPCT group (n = 22) who treated by IPCT with a pressure of 60 mm Hg for 45 min per session, 5 times/week for 4 weeks (20 sessions). All participants were recommended for a daily home program which included an active range of motion, pumping exercises and elevation with hygiene and skin care advice. The measures of circumferences and skin folds thickness were collected from both upper limbs at four levels by using a tape measurement and skin fold caliper, respectively. Further, the hand grip strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Results: There were significant differences pre-treatment and post-treatment in the three outcome measures within both groups in favor of ESWT group in circumference differences and skin folds thickness while there were no significant differences between both groups in handgrip strength. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Extracorporeal shockwave therapy had greater improvement than intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema.