Home-based physiotherapy program for shoulder function, quality of life and physical capacity in female breast cancer survivors

Salima Mulla, Anushka Sanap*, Navami Upadhyaya, Sailee Shetkar

Department of Community Physiotherapy, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Physiotherapy, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer which is prevalent in females worldwide. Mastectomy is a common surgical method used to treat breast cancer. Women may experience many complications post-surgery such as reduced range of motion, pain, lymphedema, shortening of muscles, fatigue and decreased functional capacity which affects the quality of life of the breast cancer survivors. Early physical therapy may benefit the patient in all these aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Home-based tailor-made protocol in breast cancer survivors. This interventional study was conducted in SDM Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka. Convenient sampling was done. 40 eligible participants were included in the study. Duration of the study was 6 weeks. The participants were evaluated on EORTC scale for quality of life, SPADI for shoulder function and pain and 6MWT for functional capacity. Baseline evaluation was done on the day of discharge post mastectomy, 2nd visit was done after 4 weeks of discharge and 3rd evaluation session was done at 6th week. The participant received a call on weekly basis. Data was statistically analyzed. There was a significance in effect size and the p-values. Physical therapy improved shoulder function, quality of life and functional capacity post 6 weeks of home-based intervention. Home-based Physiotherapy Program for 6 weeks improves shoulder range of motion, quality of life and physical capacity in Female Breast Cancer Survivors and prevents breast cancer related lymphedema, shortening of muscles, pain at the operated site and chest complications.

Keywords:

Cancer-related fatigue, Breast cancer, lymphedema, Barriers, Quality of life, physical and functional capacity, Physiotherapy.