Effects of Self-Lymph Massage Method among Breast Cancer Survivors
- Author:
Hyenam HWANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing 2020;23(2):112-119
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
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Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a self-lymph massage method for breast cancer survivors.
Methods:This study was conducted with a single group of pre-/post-test quasi-experimental design. Self-lymph massage technique that took about 15~20 minutes were conducted for five weeks to 27 breast cancer survivors.The quality of life, subjective symptoms, and physical symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using PASW 24.0 program with descriptive statistics and paired t-test.
Results:Self-lymph massage was significantly effective for increasing physical well-being (t=4.75, p<.001), decreaseing arm circumference (t=-5.17, p<.001), and increasing shoulder’s range of motion (t=5.05, p<.001) in breast cancer survivors.
Conclusion:This study demonstrated the applicability of a self-lymph massage technique that can induce positive physical effects in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, we suggest to use self-lymph massage technique as a useful nursing intervention in ways to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors in the future.
