Evaluation of the Treatment Process with Home Exercise Program and Telerehabilitation in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Case-Control Study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation (TR) and home exercise program (HEP) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema and the patients' compliance with these treatment processes. Methods and Results: 23 patients were prospectively included in the HEP group and 22 patients in the TR group, who were followed up in the Lymphedema Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a University Hospital. These patients were randomized. The volume difference between the extremities of the patients was calculated with the truncated cone formula, before and after treatment. The patients' pain, tightness, heaviness, and stiffness symptoms associated with lymphedema were questioned using a numerical scale. The patients' functionality and participation in daily life activities were evaluated with disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand Quick Questionnaire (Quick-DASH) and the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS). Patients' treatment satisfaction and compliance with treatment were questioned using Likert scales. A total of 45 patients were included in the study. The mean age and body mass index were similar between the groups (p ≥ 0.05). In the evaluations performed, no significant differences were observed within groups or between groups in terms of volume difference, quick DASH, pain, tightness, heaviness, stiffness, and LLIS scores (p ≥ 0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the TR group (p ≤ 0.001). During treatment follow-up, only one person from the TR group missed the 5th-week checkup (4.5%), whereas five patients from the HEP missed the 5th-week checkup and three missed the 8th-week checkup. Overall, eight patients discontinued treatment (34%). Conclusion: Although there were no significant differences in clinical assessments between TR and HEP groups, patient satisfaction, and treatment adherence were significantly higher in the TR group.