A supervised exercise program and regular care in upper limb disability and lung capacity in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a disease in which the cells present in the breast grow abnormally. Musculoskeletal problems and breathing problems are common following breast cancer surgeries. There is evidence suggesting early postoperative exercise to be a safe and help in improving the upper limb functions. The aim of the study was to compare the supervised exercise programme versus regular care in reducing upper limb disability and improving lung capacity in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: In this study, 44 female participants were recruited with the age group 18 years and above who had undergone surgery following breast cancer were selected. The demographic information of each subject was recorded, including name, age, gender, weight, and height. Baseline measurements are taken by DASH questionnaire, goniometer and PFT. Participants were divided into two groups’ intervention group (n-22) and control group (n-22). The intervention group get a supervised exercise programme, whereas the control group get advised to do usual care at home. RESULT: The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data, as the sample size was less than 50. Data analysis was done using parametric and non-parametric tests within-group analysis and also in between-group analysis. Wilcoxon sign rank test was used for within the group analysis, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for between the group analkysis. There was significant improvement in the outcome measures (p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: A supervised exercise program along with regular care in upper limb might helps in improving lung capacity among patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.