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Photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer‐related lymphedema: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Author(s) -
Storz Maximilian Andreas,
Gronwald Benjamin,
Gottschling Sven,
Schöpe Jakob,
Mavrova Russalina,
Baum Sascha
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/phpp.12284
Subject(s) - medicine , lymphedema , grip strength , breast cancer , placebo , low level laser therapy , quality of life (healthcare) , hand strength , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , dash , surgery , laser therapy , cancer , laser , physics , alternative medicine , nursing , pathology , computer science , optics , operating system
Summary Background The aim of our study was to examine the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of breast cancer‐related lymphedema using a compactly designed treatment regime consisting of eight therapy sessions in combination with a cluster laser device covering a total area size of 78.54 cm² over the axillary. Methods Forty patients with unilateral lymphedema were enrolled in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in order to evaluate effects of PBMT on lymphedema‐related pain, quality of life, grip strength and limb volume difference. Subjects received irradiation for ten minutes per session using a cluster laser covering a beam area of 78.54 cm². The applied energy was 384 Joules resulting in an energy density of 4.89 J/cm². Results Post‐treatment, a 50% reduction in median pain scores and an increase in mean quality of life were observed. Mean grip strength was persistently higher after eight sessions of PBMT compared with pretreatment; however, no statistically significant intergroup differences ( P > 0.05) were found over the time course. Conclusion PBMT using a compactly designed treatment regime in combination with a cluster laser device did not significantly improve quality of life, pain scores, grip strength and limb volume over the time course.