Abstract
BackgroundCurrently 1 in 11 women over the age of 60 in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. Following treatment, most breast cancer patients are left with shoulder and arm impairments which can impact significantly on quality of life and interfere substantially with activities of daily living. The primary aim of the proposed study is to determine whether upper limb impairments can be prevented by undertaking an exercise program of prolonged stretching and resistance training, commencing soon after surgery.Methods/designWe will recruit 180 women who have had surgery for early stage breast cancer to a multicenter single-blind randomized controlled trial. At 4 weeks post surgery, women will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a usual care (control) group. Women allocated to the exercise group will perform exercises daily, and will be supervised once a week for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, women will be given a home-based training program to continue indefinitely. Women in the usual care group will receive the same care as is now typically provided, i.e. a visit by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist while an inpatient, and receipt of pamphlets. All subjects will be assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months later. The primary measure is arm symptoms, derived from a breast cancer specific questionnaire (BR23). In addition, range of motion, strength, swelling, pain and quality of life will be assessed.DiscussionThis study will determine whether exercise commencing soon after surgery can prevent secondary problems associated with treatment of breast cancer, and will thus provide the basis for successful rehabilitation and reduction in ongoing problems and health care use. Additionally, it will identify whether strengthening exercises reduce the incidence of arm swelling.Trial RegistrationThe protocol for this study is registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN012606000050550).
Highlights
1 in 11 women over the age of 60 in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer
Upper limb arm morbidity resulting from treatment for early breast cancer is a common sequela of treatment for breast cancer [1]
As upper limb morbidity is associated with reduced quality of life [3,4], emotional, social and physical functioning aspects, as well as body image and lifestyle [5], it is important that effective preventive strategies be identified
Summary
With more than 85% of women treated for breast cancer surviving over 5 years, the long term sequelae of treatment have become increasingly important [23]. Most women are left with long-term symptoms affecting their arm and shoulder [11]. As long-term symptoms compound the physical and psychological trauma of the disease, preventing the resumption of a nor-. Http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/6/273 mal physical and emotional life [3,4], it is important to prevent their occurrence. This randomized controlled trial was designed using features that minimise bias [25]. The findings from this study will enable the formulation of evidencebased data on stretching and resistance training early following breast cancer surgery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
