Abstract P4-07-44: Association between tissue mobilization with physical exercise and physical exercise alone in patients with axillary web syndrome who underwent breast cancer surgery

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication in women with breast cancer and occurs immediately after axillary surgery. It is characterized by pain, limited shoulder range of motion (ROM), and presence of cords. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical therapy interventions, such as physical exercise with tissue mobilization and exercise alone. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Divison of Breast Cancer disease of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Seventy-three women with AWS were randomized into the mobilization (ME) group (N=37) and exercise (E) group (N=36) and followed up for 3 months after breast cancer surgery. Both groups were provided with specific guidelines for performing regular shoulder exercise at home, while tissue mobilization was performed in a specific group with a maximum of six sessions, according to the patient’s need. ROM, pain, and presence of cords were evaluated in each postoperative period (PO). Results: In both treatment groups, at the end of 90 days, improvement in flexion was observed as well as less pain and number of cords. In terms of abduction, the E group was better than the ME group. Conclusions: Physical exercise after breast cancer surgery is extremely important for functional recovery, resumption of activities of daily living, improvement of pain, and reduction in the number of cords. Tissue mobilization appears as an adjunct for causing a more immediate improvement in ROM, pain, and presence of cords, but at times not sustaining the gains for the following PO. Keywords: breast neoplasms, axillary web syndrome, physical exercise, articular range of motion, pain Citation Format: Patricia V. Figueira, Cinira Haddad, Samantha K. Lopes de Almeida Rizzi, Amanda Estevao, Simone Elias, Gil Facina, Afonso Nazário. Association between tissue mobilization with physical exercise and physical exercise alone in patients with axillary web syndrome who underwent breast cancer surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-44.