Effects of a Video Game–Based Program on Women With Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer: Preexperimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To improve the scapulohumeral joint limitations and increase the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women with lymphedema secondary to breast neoplasms. Methods: A preexperimental design (with pre- and posttest evaluations in only one group) was conducted in a group of 11 women with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. They received 5 individual weekly sessions of 30 minutes each performed with the Wii console and the Wii Balance Board. Measurements: The Oxford Shoulder Score and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index were used for the data measurements of both shoulder pain and disability; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire General and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire for Breast Cancer were used to evaluate HRQOL; muscle strength was tested with an electronic manual dynamometer and range of motion by manual goniometry. Results: Statistically significant improvements were reported: pain (P = .011), disability (P > .05), HRQOL associated with lymphedema (P = .016), strength (P < .05), and range of articular motion (P < .05). Conclusions: The results suggest that a video game–based program is useful for addressing limitations relating to lymphedema and require further investigation.