Exercise is probably the last thing on the minds of patients suffering lymphoedema - but it can have significant psychological benefits.

New research shows patients with the incurable condition benefit from regular exercise. University of Queensland psychiatry lecturer Jane Turner presented the findings of a study of 32 women with lymphoedema at Melbourne's Austin Hospital yesterday. The women participated in an eight-week exercise program which was found to boost their self-confidence and reduce their sense of fear about using affected limbs.

"These are very important findings given the importance of exercise to health and quality of life," Dr Turner said. "It's also very important that people feel they can take charge of their lives and do something to make themselves feel better. The positive benefits of exercise to wellbeing, body image and mood cannot be underestimated."

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged, causing a build-up of fluid. It afflicts cancer patients and can also be hereditary.

Sunday Canberra Times, 25/3/07, p13; Sunday Mail Brisbane, 25/3/07, p24