The Effect of a Exercise Program on Upper Extremity musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer After Modified Radical Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

Introduction: Because of the multiple structural abnormalities following aggressive treatment of breast cancer and its adverse psychological impacts on patient’s self-image, self-esteem and quality of life, the aim of this study was to design a low-cost and available home based exercise program to improve the body posture and quality of life.Method: This study was a randomized clinical trial including 27 women with breast cancer (45-65 years old), at least one year after completion of all treatments. Subjects were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups and the intervention group participated in the home based mobility and theraband resistance exercise program, during four weeks. Before and after intervention, the shoulder girdle posture was assessed using digital photogrammetry and quality of life Backman questionnaire completed. Data analysis was performed using MANOVA and ANCOVA (p<0/05). Results: Results indicate significant improvement in thoracic kyphosis angle and scapula alignment. The scapula distance to the spine didn’t change after exercise and the shoulder girdle inclination has insignificant improvement. A significant difference was observed in physical dimension of quality of life and mental health, social health and spiritual health dimensions did not change significantly. Discussion: Significant improvement following a home based exercise can be considerable, due to easy implementation, no need for expensive tool, easy education and limited access to therapeutic and corrective facilities. However, based on the findings of this study recommend to body posture improvement, exercise interventions applied in a longer time, immediately after treatment and during it, and in order to improve quality of life, the exercises done in groups and gym.

Keywords:

Shoulder Girdle deformity , Home Based Exercise , Breast Neoplasm , Resistance and Mobility exercise