The Long-Term Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Combined with Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Lymphedema: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

<p>Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for lymphedema treatment, fails to demonstrate long-term efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing post-mastectomy lymphedema when used with CDT. The experimental group received LLLT and CDT (n = 7) while control group received sham laser and CDT (n = 7), twice a week for 4 to 8 weeks. Percent arm circumference difference between affected and unaffected limbs was collected over 18 months. Results revealed no statistical difference between both groups at all time periods: 1 (p = 0.902), 2 (p = 0.535), 3 (p = 0.445), 6 (p = 0.095), 12 (p = 0.537) and 18 months (p = 0.4). Further study with a larger sample size may prove more significant for long-term efficacy of LLLT.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Therapy

Grantor

The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

Year dc:date.available

2014

Authors dc:creator

• Bramlett, Olivia
• Daysudov, Igor
• Odaira, Toshi
• Rodriguez, Bethany

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Susan Pivko

• Physical Therapy

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/798

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-1813