Should Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema Avoid Strength Training?

Breast cancer survivors who experience lymphedema — a chronic, progressive, and incurable complication that causes limb swelling, discomfort, and impairment — are typically advised to avoid lifting weights (even though such exercise regimens can improve upper-body strength and provide associated health benefits).

To test the validity of this recommendation, investigators randomized 141 women (58% white, 38% black) with stable, breast cancer–related lymphedema to twice-weekly progressive weight lifting versus usual care. Exercises included chest press, bicep curls, tricep pushdowns, and lateral and front raises. The primary outcome was arm and hand swelling as measured by water displacement at 1 year.

The proportion of women who experienced in…