Inertial Rehabilitation in Women After Mastectomy

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of inertial rehabilitation on: shoulder flexors, extensors and shoulder abductors and adductors strength, breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and quality of life in women after mastectomy. Twenty-four women after mastectomy were randomized to a training (T; n = 12) or control group (C; n = 12). The T group performed inertial training twice a week for 6 weeks using a Cyklotren inertial device. Each training session included warm-up and 4 sets of shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors, with the right and left arms worked. The training loads for all exercises was equal 5 kg. Before and after training the maximum force of trained muscles was tested under training conditions. Body composition, BCRL, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) were also evaluated. Inertial rehabilitation caused significant improvement in strength in all tested muscles in T whereas changes in C were insignificant. Quality of life evaluated by DASH score decreased significantly in T and and did not change in C. Moreover, BCRL and body composition did not change significantly following intervention in both groups. Inertial exercises can be useful rehabilitation method in women treated for breast cancer.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

100 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* mastectomy performed at least 6 months before the study
* lack of fractures in the prior 3 months
* lack of tendon and ligament injuries in the prior 2 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* mastectomy was performed less than 6 months before the study
* fractures in the prior 3 months
* tendon and ligament injuries in the last 2 months
* serious heart disease
* cerebral palsy
* limb amputations