Recruiting

Effect of Preoperative Rehabilitation Exercise on Improving Postoperative Lymphedema, Quality of Life and Care Needs in Patients With Breast Cancer Surgery

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07743294

PhaseNA

Enrollment105

SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital

Age20 Years

SexFEMALE

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Breast Cancer and Rehabilitation

About this study

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with surgery being a primary treatment. However, surgical tumor resection combined with lymph node dissection often leads to upper extremity lymphedema as a complication. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation exercise on upper limb function, lymphedema severity, quality of life, and post-discharge care needs in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery. Participants will be assigned to either an experimental group receiving individualized preoperative rehabilitation exercise instruction or a control group receiving standard clinical nursing education. Outcomes will be measured across seven time points from pre-operation up to one year post-surgery.

Interventions

Behavioral: Preoperative Upper Limb Rehabilitation Exercise — Individualized instruction and guidance on upper limb rehabilitation exercises starting 1 day prior to surgery to reduce postoperative lymphedema and improve physical function.
Other: Standard Nursing Care and Education — Routine clinical nursing education executed preoperatively or on postoperative Day 1 according to standard ward procedures.

Primary outcomes

Postoperative Upper Extremity Lymphedema Severity (Arm Circumference) (Baseline (1 day pre-operation), Postoperative Day 1, Week 2, Week 4, Month 3, Month 6, and Year 1)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with malignant breast cancer confirmed by post-surgical tissue examination. * Receiving primary surgery, including tumor resection combined with axillary lymph node dissection. * Age 20 years or older. * Conscious, able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, aware of diagnosis, capable of completing questionnaires and participating in interventions, and signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or unaware of diagnosis, unable to complete questionnaires or correctly execute intervention measures. * Patients in the control group who independently schedule outpatient rehabilitation after returning home. * Unable to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. * Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

Study locations

National Taiwan University Hospital Cancer Center, Taipei, 106 Taiwan
National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.