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Table 2 Characteristics of 4 observational studies regarding LLLT (PBM) for BCRL

From: Low level laser therapy (Photobiomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review

Authors (Year)

Participants

Interventions

(No. Participants)

Co-intervention

Outcome Measures

Measured

Time Points

Conclusions

Comments

Funding Sources

Mayrovitz and Davey (2011) [54]

38 women, unilateral BCRL; 38 subjects (19 M/19 F), secondary leg lymphedema

(1) LLLT (n = 76)

(2) Sham laser (n = 17 secondary ley lymphedema)

Manual lymphatic drainage: following (1) and (2)

Limb circumference

i: Baseline

ii: Post-Tx

iii: Post a manual lymphatic drainage

LLLT would reduce the skin water and tissue indentation resistance in patients with arm or leg lymphedema.

Observational study in Phase 1- LLLT (n = 76), sham laser in Phase 2- secondary leg lymphedema only

NR

Dirican et al. (2011) [55]

17 women, unilateral BCRL limited responsive to current therapy

LLLT (n = 17)

Conventional Tx

I: Limb circumference

II: Pain

III: Range of motion

i: Baseline

ii: End of Cycle 1

iii: End of Cycle 2

Patients with BCRL received additional benefits from LLLT when used in conjunction with standard treatment. Two cycles were found to be superior.

Small sample size; statistical methods not clear

NR

Piller and Thelander (1995/

1998) [44, 45]

10 women, unilateral BCRL

LLLT (n = 10)

Skin care instructions

I: Limb circumference

II: Limb volume

i: Baseline,

ii: Biweekly in Tx

iii: 1 mo post-Tx

iv: 3 mo post-Tx

v: 6 mo post-Tx

vi: 36 mo post-Tx*

LLLT, at least initially, improved most objective and subjective parameters of arm lymphedema.

Small sample size; lacked demographics; statistical significance unknown

Flinders 2000 & Flinders University

  1. *36-months follow-up only applies to [45]
  2. BCRL breast cancer-related lymphedema, F female, LLLT low level laser therapy, M male, mo months, NR not reported, Tx treatment