Bowenwork for symptom management of women breast cancer survivors with lymphedema: A pilot study

Christine A. Argenbright, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Lois J. Loescher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose The objectives of this pilot study for women breast cancer survivors with lymphedema was 1) to evaluate recruitment rates, retention rates, adherence to Bowenwork (a noninvasive complementary therapy involving gentle muscle movements), home exercises, safety and comfort; 2) determine the effect of Bowenwork on quality of life (QOL), functional status, perceived pain, range of motion (ROM), arm/ankle circumference (to assess for localized and systemic changes). Methods Participants received 4 Bowenwork sessions with home exercises. Initial and post assessments included QOL, functional status, and pain. ROM, arm/ankle circumference and pain measures were recorded before each session. Results Twenty-one women enrolled in the study; 95% completion; adherence 100%; home exercises 95%; no adverse events. The intervention improved mental health (SF-36-MCS); breast cancer-related functional (FACT-B); increased ROM; reduced arm circumferences. P value set at <0.05. Conclusions The Bowenwork intervention was safe and acceptable for women breast cancer survivors with lymphedema.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-149
Number of pages8
JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume25
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • Breast neoplasms
  • Complementary
  • Lymphedema
  • Musculoskeletal manipulations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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