Effectiveness of Cold Compression Therapy versus Multi-Waved Locked System Laser on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: Randomized Controlled Trial

M.H. El Gendy, S.O. El-Sherif, M.A. Abolkasem, S.R. Aboelmagd, Y.R. Lasheen
Physical Rehabilitation and Recreational Health Technologies, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2025

Purpose. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cold Compression Therapy and Multi-Wave Locked System Laser on lymphatic flow, volumetric measurements, and quality of life in breast cancer-related lymphoedema patients. Breast cancer-related lymphoedema is a long-term health problem that often causes pain and disability and interferes with daily activities. It may occur after treatment for breast cancer by surgery and radiation therapy. If left untreated, it can have long-term medical and psychological consequences for patients.

Material & Methods. Sixty-six females with breast cancer-related lymphoedema, with a mean age of 37.4 ± 5.39 years, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into three equal groups using simple randomization via the closed-envelope technique. Group A, consisting of twenty-two female patients, received class 4 multi-wave locked system laser and conventional treatment. Group B, also composed of twenty-two female patients, received cold compression therapy and conventional treatment. Group C, the control group, received conventional treatment only. The three groups were assessed using lymphoscintigraphy for lymphatic flow, measuring tape for limb volume, and the Lymphoedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) for health-related quality of life assessment. Assessments were conducted before and after treatment.

Results. The results indicated that Group B showed statistically significant improvement over Group A in lymphoscintigraphy (p<0.001), limb volume (p<0.001), and LLIS questionnaire (p<0.001). Group B also showed statistically significant improvement over Group C in lymphoscintigraphy (p<0.001), limb volume (p<0.001), and LLIS questionnaire (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between Group A and Group C.

Conclusions. Cold compression therapy significantly improved limb volume and circumference, lymphatic flow, and health-related quality of life in patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphoedema compared to the multi-wave locked system laser and conventional treatment.