Effects of Functional Glide on lymphedema, Handgrip strength, and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective: The purpose of this study is to verify the effectiveness of functional glide (FG) on lymphedema, grip strength, and quality of life(QOL) in patients with breast cancer. Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: Forty-one participants were randomly divided to 21 subjects in the FG group and 20 subjects in the Mulligan technique (MWM) group. A total of 21 participants were assigned to the group, and 20 participants were assigned to the MWM group. Each group underwent interventions for 70 minutes per day, 6 days a week, for one week. Post-assessment was conducted after the intervention, and a follow-up evaluation was performed one week later using the same methods as the pre-assessment. Results: Upper limb edema significantly decreased in the FG group in the hand, forearm, and elbow, and in the MWM group in the wrist, forearm, elbow, and upper arm. However, there was no significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference in grip strength in either group. In the QOL assessment, the FG group showed significant changes in physical functioning (PF), bodily pain, and general health before and after the experiment, while the MWM group showed significant changes in PF and mental health. Conclusions: FG and MWM were effective in reducing upper limb lymphedema, and FG is effective in improving the recovery of quality of life.