Exercise Protocol With Limited Shoulder Range of Motion for 15 or 30 Days After Conservative Surgery for Breast Cancer With Oncoplastic Technique: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effect of limiting shoulder range of motion (ROM) for 15 or 30 days on surgical complications and on shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function of breast cancer patients following conservative oncoplastic surgery.

Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 women with breast cancer who underwent conservative oncoplastic surgery. The day after surgery, all patients started an exercise protocol with shoulder exercises limited to 90 degrees. Two weeks after surgery they were randomized into Free ROM Group (n=30) or Limited ROM Group (n=30). The Free ROM Group was allowed to perform shoulder exercises with unlimited ROM; the Limited ROM Group continued with shoulder movement restricted at 90 degrees until 30 days after surgery, at which time they were also allowed free ROM. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications (dehiscence, seroma, infection, and necrosis) and secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function.

Results: No difference in the incidence of postoperative scar complications between groups was noted. There was no difference between the groups in shoulder joint amplitude, pain, or upper limb function.

Conclusions: The free ROM exercise protocol 15 days post surgery was safe concerning cicatricial complications.