Impact of 6-month Rowing on Arm Lymphoedema, Mobility, and Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors

Studies reported that dragon boat training and sweep rowing are safe and have physical benefits in women with breast cancer (BC)1-3. Moreover, the act of rowing leads to a reduction in the circumference of the arms, without adversely affecting previous situations of lymphoedema2.Recreational rowing boats with sliding seats may use different biomechanical techniques, involving the torso, legs and arms in propulsion and using two oars for each rower. PURPOSE: To investigate how sculling form influence arm lymphoedema, mobility and strength in BC survivors in a6-month integrated physical activity (PA) program. METHODS: The name of the project is Effect and efficacy of Rowing in breast Cancer survivors/The Same Boat (ERICE/TSB). The study sample included 20 women with BC (age:55.8 ± 6.1 yrs; stages I, II, or III; surgery at least 6 months to a maximum of 20 years ago), who trained 3 times a week for 6 months: the training program included adapted PA or Pilates, walking and sculling form. At the beginning (T0), after 3 months(T1), and at the end of the project (T2), arm lymphoedema (Relative Volume Change_RVC), mobility (Back Scratch_BS) and strength (Hand Grip_HG) were tested. RESULTS: No dropouts and no adverse events occurred during the 6-month intervention. The integrated PA program did not lead to the development or worsening of pre-existing lymphoedema: 3 subjects had lymphoedema at T0, however by T2 only 1 subject still had lymphoedema; a decrease in the volume of the operated arm (T0, 1616.4 ± 273.9 vs T2, 1537.5 ± 217.7 cm3) was also observed. An improvement in the right arm BS (T0, 1.45 ± 9.63 vs T2, 4.70 ± 7.67 cm) and an increase in both arms HG from T0 to T1 (right: T0, 27.25 ± 4.95 vs T1, 29.68 ± 5.48 vs 28.60 ± 4.52 kg; left: T0, 24.10 ± 5.30 vs 26.20 ± 4.80 vs T1, 25.25 ± 5.90 kg), which was maintained from T1 to T2, were obtained. No difference has reached significance level in any data. CONCLUSION: A 6-monthintegrated PA program had positive effect on arm lymphoedema, mobility, and strength in women with BC. Adapted PA or Pilates, walking, and sculling form should be recommended as part of a comprehensive BC treatment plan.