Kinesiotherapy in the prevention of functional disorders of the upper limb post breast cancer surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in post-surgical breast cancer patients are one of the most frequent complications, leading to the development of limitations, dysfunctions and even disabilities, associated with pain, weakness and decreased range of movement of the shoulder, affecting its quality of life. An early physiotherapeutic intervention can reduce and prevent these conditions.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of kinesiotherapeutic exercises in the upper limb for the prevention of functional disorders after breast cancer surgery.Material and methods: The research was quantitative, longitudinal, through the application of a 5-week exercise plan, where muscle strength (Oxford Scale), joint amplitude (Goniometric Test) were evaluated before and after the intervention.) and global functionality (Constant-Murley test), in 22 women aged 18 to 60 years, with prior informed consent.Results: Clinically and statistically significant improvements were observed in muscle strength of all muscle groups (P = 0.000), going from level 2 of mobility in the entire joint arch without gravity, to level 3 of mobility in the entire joint arch with gravity ; in joint amplitude (P = 0.000) the range of displacement of all shoulder movements improved, except in adduction (P = 1.000) and in global shoulder function (P = 0.000), passing an average improvement was obtained passing from a poor functionality of 44.60 to an average level of functionality of 78.08.Conclusions: Kinesiotherapeutic exercises in the upper limb are effective for preventing functional disorders after breast cancer surgery.