Abstract
The aim of the following paper was to determine the influence of soft tissue therapy on respiratory efficiency and chest mobility of women suffering from breast cancer. This study was a controlled, randomized trial. Tests were carried out in a group of patients (n = 49) who were hospitalized in the Province Polyclinic Hospital, Konin, Poland. In the study group, irrespective of the standard physical therapy program, an additional therapy program was run. The program consisted of applying specific techniques of soft tissue treatment. All patients in each term were subject to pulmonary function tests, chest mobility, and pain assessment. Statistical analysis of the obtained results of spirometry and chest mobility assessment has revealed no differences in the analyzed parameters between the examined groups in the period of joint therapeutic treatment. In the period between the third examination and the end of the 11-month-rehabilitation treatment, statistically significant differences were observed in the analyzed spirometry parameters; however, there was no difference in the parameters describing airflow in small airways (maximal expiratory flow at 50% (MEF50), peak expiratory flow (PEF) between individual groups during consecutive examinations in the course of diversified therapeutic treatment. Chest mobility assessment of the patients, performed during diversified therapeutic treatment, revealed statistically significant differences between the groups. However, there was no difference between the examined groups as far as pain sensation is concerned. Enhancing the regular rehabilitation program by including additional therapeutic methods, which are based on myofascial release and post-isometric relaxation techniques, had beneficial effects regarding respiratory system efficiency.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide and the most frequent cause of death
Spirometry, chest mobility test, and pain assessment were performed during each examination in the spirometry laboratory of the Province Polyclinic Hospital in Konin by the same people and using the same measuring methods
In the period between the third examination and the end of the 11-month-rehabilitation treatment, statistically significant differences were observed in the analyzed spirometry parameters (VC, FEV1, FEV1 /forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV)); there was no difference in the parameters describing airflow in small airways (MEF50, peak expiratory flow (PEF)) between respective groups, during consecutive examinations in the course of diversified therapeutic treatment
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide and the most frequent cause of death. Women suffering from breast cancer constitute 25% of female patients who undergo oncological treatment [1]. Statistics clearly show that this type of cancer mostly affects women over 50 years old [1,2]. Other risk factors include reproductive, mutation in BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes, and hormonal factors [3,4,5,6]. Treatment options in the case of breast carcinoma include surgical treatment, systemic treatment (hormonal therapy and chemotherapy), and radiotherapy.
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