Revitalizing Post-Mastectomy Lives: Unveiling the Impact of Aerobic and Mobility with Strengthening Exercises in Improving Shoulder Pain, ROM, and Strength

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with Pakistan having one of the highest incidence rates in Asia. Post-mastectomy patients often suffer from shoulder pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), and muscle weakness, impacting their quality of life. This study investigates the efficacy of a comprehensive exercise regimen in alleviating these symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of aerobic, mobility, and strengthening exercises on shoulder pain, ROM, and muscle strength in post-mastectomy patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: A six-month case-control study was conducted with 60 participants, aged 25-65, who had undergone radical mastectomy and were in the chemotherapy phase. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the case group (n=30), which underwent an eight-week program of aerobic, mobility, and strengthening exercises, and the control group (n=30), which performed only aerobic exercises. Data collection tools included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment, a Goniometer for ROM measurement, and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for muscle strength evaluation. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with paired and independent t-tests applied to compare pre- and post-intervention scores.

Results: The case group showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (mean difference = 2.93333, p<0.001) compared to the control group (mean difference = 0.40000, p=0.028). MMT results indicated significant improvements in muscle strength for the right deltoid (mean difference = -0.40000, p=0.009) and left pectoralis major (mean difference = -0.73333, p<0.001) in the case group. ROM improvements were significant for right shoulder extension (mean difference = -0.80000, p<0.001) and left shoulder external rotation (mean difference = -1.73333, p<0.001) in the case group.

Conclusion: A comprehensive exercise regimen, including aerobic, mobility, and strengthening exercises, significantly improved shoulder pain, ROM, and muscle strength in post-mastectomy patients. These findings support the integration of multifactorial physiotherapy into rehabilitation protocols for breast cancer survivors to enhance their long-term health and quality of life.

Keywords: Breast cancer, mastectomy, shoulder pain, range of motion, muscle strength, aerobic exercises, mobility exercises, strengthening exercises, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, post-mastectomy recovery.