The increase in the survival rates of breast cancer patients is a reflection on the advancement of treatment plans and increased awareness. However, breast cancer patients have indicated increased upper limb dysfunctional over time. This review seeks to determine the effects of varying exercise duration and the timing of the start of the exercise intervention on the upper limb mobility and strength. A comprehensive literature search was conducted between February 2014 to February 2024 using online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest and Web of Science. A combination of the following keywords was used: “Breast cancer”, “Breast cancer survivors”, “Post mastectomy”, “Exercise”, “Physical activity”, “Rehabilitation exercise”, “Strength training”, “Resistance training”, “Aerobic exercise”, “Upper limb mobility”, Shoulder mobility”, Arm mobility”, “Range of motion”, “Joint flexibility”, “Upper limb”. The retrieved literature was screened and reviewed. 1760 articles were retrieved and screened based on title and abstracts; 20 related studies were retained. The review revealed that: (1) most studies conducted their intervention after 1–2 days of breast surgery; (2) all interventions included some form of resistance training or a combination of exercise types; (3) the frequency of 3–5 times per week had larger improvement on upper limb mobility and strength. However, one study showed that carrying out exercises before surgery had positive impact on upper limb mobility recovery post-surgery. Lifelong comprehensive and supportive care from initial treatment till survivorship for breast cancer patients can greatly enhance their physical, psychological, and social well-being.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Effects of Exercise on Upper Limb Functionality in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

  • Cynthia Anne Cornelius,
  • Garry Kuan,
  • Jing Hui Ng,
  • Mee Hoong See,
  • Lian Yee Kok

摘要

The increase in the survival rates of breast cancer patients is a reflection on the advancement of treatment plans and increased awareness. However, breast cancer patients have indicated increased upper limb dysfunctional over time. This review seeks to determine the effects of varying exercise duration and the timing of the start of the exercise intervention on the upper limb mobility and strength. A comprehensive literature search was conducted between February 2014 to February 2024 using online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest and Web of Science. A combination of the following keywords was used: “Breast cancer”, “Breast cancer survivors”, “Post mastectomy”, “Exercise”, “Physical activity”, “Rehabilitation exercise”, “Strength training”, “Resistance training”, “Aerobic exercise”, “Upper limb mobility”, Shoulder mobility”, Arm mobility”, “Range of motion”, “Joint flexibility”, “Upper limb”. The retrieved literature was screened and reviewed. 1760 articles were retrieved and screened based on title and abstracts; 20 related studies were retained. The review revealed that: (1) most studies conducted their intervention after 1–2 days of breast surgery; (2) all interventions included some form of resistance training or a combination of exercise types; (3) the frequency of 3–5 times per week had larger improvement on upper limb mobility and strength. However, one study showed that carrying out exercises before surgery had positive impact on upper limb mobility recovery post-surgery. Lifelong comprehensive and supportive care from initial treatment till survivorship for breast cancer patients can greatly enhance their physical, psychological, and social well-being.