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Deepti Garg

 

Deepti Garg

Sri Aurobindo University, India

Abstract Title: Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Using PEDro Scale Quality Assessment

Biography: Dr. Deepti Agrawal Garg has completed her PG in Neuro Physiotherapy from DAVV, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India and Continuing PhD studies from Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. She is the Professor of Neuro-physiotherapy Department, Sri Aurobindo Institute of medical Sciences. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of reputed Journals. She has published 2 book chapters and has 1 patent registered.

Research Interest: Background: Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a common and debilitating complication among breast cancer survivors, leading to physical discomfort, functional limitations, and impaired quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy interventions provide variable outcomes, prompting exploration of adjunctive modalities such as Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Objective: To narratively review and synthesize the evidence regarding the efficacy of Photobiomodulation therapy on post-mastectomy lymphedema and quality of life among breast cancer patients. Methods: A narrative review of published clinical studies was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies published between 2003 and 2025 that evaluated the effects of PBMT on breast cancer–related lymphedema were included. Methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: The PEDro scores of included studies ranged from 0 to 8, indicating poor to high methodological quality. Most studies demonstrated moderate methodological rigor. Evidence consistently suggested that PBMT contributed to reductions in limb volume, pain, and lymphedema severity, along with improvements in arm function and quality of life. However, heterogeneity in laser parameters and treatment protocols limited direct comparison across studies. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation therapy appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to conventional physiotherapy management of post-mastectomy lymphedema, with positive effects on both physical outcomes and quality of life. Nevertheless, further high-quality, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to establish standardized treatment protocols and strengthen clinical recommendations. Keywords: Photobiomodulation therapy; Low-level laser therapy; Post-mastectomy lymphedema; Breast cancer; Quality of life