Upper-limb dysfunction following breast cancer surgery:
The use of upper-limb ROM, stretching and strengthening exercises after breast cancer surgery have been shown to improve recovery of shoulder movement. However, there are different views on what type of exercise is best and how soon exercises should be started following surgery. Moreover, it is not known if exercise is helpful in addressing upper-limb problems that persist following surgery and there is some concern that upper-limb exercise may increase the risk of developing lymphedema in the arm. In this review, a total of 24 studies examined the benefit of exercise on upper-limb dysfunction. Ten studies examined whether it was better to start exercise early after surgery or to delay exercise by about one week. Six studies examined structured exercise programs compared to usual care (exercise pamphlet or no exercise) following surgery. Three studies examined exercise interventions carried out during cancer treatment and five studies examined exercise interventions carried out following cancer treatment.