Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Randomized controlled trials

• Female sex

• Studies including only subjects without secondary lymphedema at study entry

• Mixed studies including subjects with and without secondary lymphedema at study entry

• Surgical removal of at least 1 lymph node

• Exercise including manual lymphatic drainage

• Studies were included from 2006 to 2016 (June)

• Studies including at least 20 subjects

• Studies in English and German language

Exclusion criteria

• Male sex

• Studies including only subjects with secondary lymphedema at study entry

• No surgical removal of any lymph nodes

• Reviews

• Case reports

• Expert opinions

• Animal studies

• Studies combining exercise and nutrition