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A study now being conducted at the University of Delaware is seeking participants with breast-cancer-related lymphedema, a condition caused by lymph node excision in mastectomies.

The study, which aims to manage the arm pain and swelling associated with lymphedema, will involve eight weeks of aquatic exercise at the Newark Senior Center on White Chapel Drive. The study is being initiated and overseen by Paula Richley Geigle, a faculty member in UD's Department of Physical Therapy who holds a doctorate in physical therapy.

To participate, candidates must have received a diagnosis of breast-cancer-related lymphedema, be at least 18 years or older and fluent in either English or Spanish, not pregnant and not currently participating in aquatic exercise.

Study participants must agree to be randomly placed in one of two study groups and commit to 30-40 minutes of aquatic exercise twice a week for eight weeks. They also must commit to a one-time follow-up appointment three months later and complete arm volume measurements and quality-of-life questionnaires at the outset and conclusion of the eight-week study.

Aquatic exercise classes will be offered several times a week throughout 2007 to allow for schedule flexibility.

For more information about the study, call (610) 724-4964 or e-mail [geigle@udel.edu].

Media contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, [mbugua@udel.edu]
January 30, 2007