Request for Volunteers for Cancer Research at Dublin City University

Project Title:  Lymphoedema in Breast Cancer:  Measurement Techniques and Effect of Exercise

Location: The Research Study will take place in the School of Health and Human Performance, DCU.

Investigator:  Dr Noel McCaffrey,  tel:  70073787

Lymphoedema is a condition in which part of the body becomes swollen because of failure of the lymphatic drainage system to conduct fluid away from the affected area.  You have developed lymphoedema of your arm following treatment of breast cancer.  This study aims to compare 2 methods of measuring upper limb lymphoedema and also to see what effect an mixed aerobic / strength exercise class has on upper limb volume.  The results of this study may help to provide guidelines in relation to how best to measure limb volume and also how best to prescribe exercise in the treatment of upper limb lymphoedema

If you agree to take part in the research project you will be asked to attend an exercise class in DCU Sport. Before taking part you will complete a screening questionnaire (called the PAR-Q) to ensure that it is safe for you to exercise.

Before the class and again on 4 occasions over the 24 hour period after the class, the volume of each of your upper limbs will be measured in 2 ways

1. Volume Displacement Method:

You will put your arm into a large graduated cylinder containing water.  The cylinder will be marked in a way that allows the volume of water displaced by your arm to be measured accurately.

2. Serial Circumferences Method

A tester will measure the circumference of your arm at 5 different points 9elbow, mid-forearm, elbow, mid-upper arm and high upper arm).  These measurement will be fed into a formula that will calculate the total limb volume

The time points for the tests are before the exercise class, immediately after the class (i.e. within 30 minutes) and at time points 3, 6 and 24 hours after finishing the class.  You will be asked to remain in DCU until the 3-hour measurement is done.  You may then leave DCU and return for the 6-hour test and again, the following day, for the 24-hour test.

If you are interested in taking part in the project please contact one of the following

    Sonya McConnell on 0830065597 or sonya.mcconnell6@mail.dcu.ie
    Dr Noel McCaffrey on 087-2797597 or noel.mccaffrey@dcu.ie