Effectiveness of Pilates Exercises on the Range of Motion of Upper Limbs in Women with Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background & Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for one-third of all cancers in women. Despite advances in treatment methods, complications such as reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, pain, and lymphedema have been reported. The present study was conducted with aim to examine the effectiveness of Pilates exercises on the range of motion of the upper limbs in breast cancer patients.Materials & Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Science Direct, Magiran and SID databases using the keywords: “breast cancer”, “Pilates”, “mastectomy” and “meta-analysis” without any time restrictions. The Q statistic and I² index were used to assess heterogeneity among the selected articles. Data analysis was performed using Stata Ver 14.Results: By combining the results of four final studies, it was shown that Pilates exercises have significant positive impact on the range of motion of the upper limbs in women with breast cancer. The effect size was positive SMD=2.89, (P<0.001) with a confidence interval of (0.97 to 4.8). Additionally, the meta-analysis between the intervention and control groups also demonstrated that Pilates exercises have significant positive effect size SMD=0.73, (P<0.001) with a confidence interval of (0.37 to 1.1).Conclusion: Since Pilates exercises have significant positive impact on increasing the range of motion in the upper limbs of women with breast cancer, it is recommended to incorporate these exercises under the supervision of a specialist to enhance the rehabilitation of these patients after mastectomy.