Effect of yoga on oedema and quality of life in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-mastectomy lymphoedema can lead to limitation in daily activities and have a negative impact on quality of life. AIM: This study explored the effect of yoga exercise on upper limb lymphoedema volume and quality of life in post-mastectomy patients. METHODS: A total of 112 post-mastectomy patients were recruited for this randomised controlled trial using a purposive sampling method, of whom 96 participants completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. After initial assessments using the volumetric-tank technique and the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, the intervention group received yoga exercises. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software with independent t-test, paired t-test and covariance test. RESULTS: After the intervention, significant differences were found in upper limb lymphoedema volume and mean scores of the Lymphoedema Life Impact Scale and its physical and functional domains (P<0.05). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians and nurses can incorporate blended (in-person and online) yoga programmes into self-management and rehabilitation plans to enhance accessibility and adherence. These findings support allocating resources toward low-cost, adaptable yoga interventions within breast cancer survivorship care pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga was found to be a safe and effective complementary approach for reducing upper limb lymphoedema in early stages and improving wellbeing in post-mastectomy patients without comorbidities. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in other populations, or in advanced stages of lymphoedema.