Effect of graded theraband exercise on myofascial dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. Many breast cancer surgeries leads to dissection of muscles and soft tissue structures. After the breast cancer treatment many complications are seen in breast cancer survivors. In that myofascial dysfunctions are common. These dysfunctions are one of the common sources of pain and discomfort. Not only pain but this dysfunction also leads to decreased range of motion, decreased strength, and altered posture. Because of dysfunctions, an upper body function decreases and affects the activity of daily living. Graded theraband exercises are effective in improving muscle strength and shoulder range of motion in breast cancer survivors. And also helps to enhance functional capacity. Early rehabilitation can be implanted to reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility which will be helpful in minimize restrictions in daily living activities and improve quality of life. This effectiveness study will help to enlighten the status of myofascial dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors. The objectives of the study were as follows: To find out the effect of graded theraband exercise on myofascial dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total 40 females who underwent breast cancer surgeries along with chemotherapy or radiotherapy or hormone therapy, were included based on inclusion criteria. All the females received theraband exercises along with medications for five days per week and pre and post assessment was done with manual muscle testing (MMT), shoulder range of motion (ROM), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire. Result: The result concluded that strengthening with thera-band showed better effect in the breast cancer survivors. Strengthening exercise program with resistance band showed significant improvement in the shoulder strength, ROM and activities of daily life.