Efficacy of physical therapy interventions on quality of life and upper quadrant pain severity in women with post-mastectomy pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Using Integrative Therapies to Improve Patient-Reported Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Living Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline

AIM

Breast cancer imposes a serious disease and economic burden on patients. This guideline aims to develop a living evidence-based clinical practice recommendations to guide the use of integrative therapies for the improvement of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

We searched systematic reviews and meta-analyses or conducted de nova systematic reviews and meta-analyses to support the recommendations. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations.

RESULTS

The guideline panel issued 17 recommendations: for alleviating anxiety, strong recommendations in favor of muscle relaxation training, yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological education, and Tai Chi in general breast cancer survivors; for alleviating depression, strong recommendations in favor of mindfulness therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group psychotherapy, muscle relaxation training, acceptanceand commitment therapy in general breast cancer survivors, and exercise intervention for patients received radiotherapy; for sleep quality, conditional recommendations for all therapies; for pain, strong recommendations in favor of exercise intervention for postoperative breast cancer survivors; for alleviating fatigue, strong recommendations in favor of mindfulness therapy and group psychotherapy in general breast cancer survivors; for improving the quality of life, strong recommendations in favor of mindfulness therapy in general breast cancer survivors, Baduanjin and exercise intervention for patients undergoing anticancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

This proposed guideline provides recommendations for improving the PROs of breast cancer survivors. We hope these recommendations can help support practicing physicians and other healthcare providers for breast cancer survivors.

Advancing breast cancer rehabilitation: a novel tool for assessing physical morbidity risk

PURPOSE

This study presents the development process of the Arm Morbidity following Breast Cancer Treatments (ARM-BCT) tool.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A historical prospective study was conducted across five medical centers from 2020 to 2023. Medical information and a questionnaire covering morbidities, lifestyle, emotional state, and functioning were collected. Regression models analyzed 22 risk factors for chronic pain, lymphedema, functional limitations, and decreased range of motion. Significant factors were included in the ARM-BCT tool.

RESULTS

Seventeen significant risk factors were identified, including mastectomy (B = 2.073, CI, 7.403-5.366), axillary lymph node dissection (B = 0.194, CI, 0.988-1.036), breast reconstruction (B = 17.300, CI, 7.105-27.495), advanced stage (B = 0.498, CI, 1.044-2.594), chemotherapy (B = 1.326, CI, 0.870-3.673), BMI (B = 0.092, CI, 1.033-1.163), anxiety (B = 0.177, CI, 1.859-3.079), low physical activity levels (B = -0.059, CI, 0.190-0.001), specific comorbidities (B = -1.491, CI, 2.706-0.277), age (B = 0.035, OR = 1.036, CI, 1.002-1.071), and radiation therapy (B = 0.385, CI, 0.380-2.056), etc. The tool's development involved robust statistical modeling to determine the weight of each factor, evaluate model quality, and establish a clinically relevant cutoff point.

CONCLUSION

This article describes the development process of the ARM-BCT tool, designed to assess the risk of physical morbidity following breast cancer treatment. The tool incorporates 17 statistically significant risk and protective factors into a scoring scale ranging from 1 to 20. Risk is categorized as low (< 6) or high (> 7), enabling targeted recommendations for rehabilitation timing and necessity. While validation studies evaluating its clinical effectiveness are underway and will be presented in future publications, the ARM-BCT tool shows promise in enhancing recovery outcomes through early intervention.

Nonpharmacological Interventions for Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome-A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Literature regarding nonpharmacological interventions (NPI) for PMPS or CP after mastectomy is scarce and not fully appraised, therefore we conducted this systematic review to explore the current panorama of treatment options.

METHODS

A systematic review to assess the existing evidence regarding nonpharmacological approaches for PMPS. We reviewed the following databases: PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, and Ovid (including the Cochrane Database for Clinical studies) using the following search terms: CP, mastectomy, and PMPS, and adjusted the terms depending on the database used. We included observational studies including case reports, cross sectional studies, cohort studies, and clinical trials (randomized or not) that included a NPI to treat PMPS.

RESULTS

Total 1061 records were identified. After duplicate elimination, 863 records were screened for eligibility. A total of 717 records were excluded using our criteria, 138 records were sought for retrieval, and 117 full text records were assessed. Finally, 30 studies were included: seven case series, one cross-sectional study, two cohort studies, one case-control study, five nonrandomized clinical trials, ten randomized clinical trials (RCT), one qualitative study, and three systematic reviews of the literature, including two meta analyses, were included.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest that there is a great response of patients to some NPI. Regarding surgical interventions, autologous fat grafting and lymph node transplantation showed to have the greatest benefit for patients in terms of quality of life and reduced pain scores. Pulsed radiofrequency demonstrated the highest quality of evidence for energy related procedures. Within the physical therapy interventions, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and dry needling showed the greatest benefit. Finally, virtual reality demonstrated the greatest benefit in educational interventions.

The healing power of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: a systematic review on its effects after breast surgery

BACKGROUND

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation after breast cancer surgery has been utilized for various purposes, but the full efficacy of this treatment approach on postoperative symptoms remains unclear.

AIM

This study aimed to answer the question: Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation significantly impact postoperative patient outcomes in individuals undergoing breast cancer surgery?

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Because of the limited number of studies included, it was not feasible to perform a meta-analysis. English-language publications from 2013 and 2024 that investigated the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in breast cancer surgery patients were included. Electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Wiley Online Library were searched. Two independent investigators assessed the studies using the revised JBI risk of bias tool. Data from randomized trials were extracted by two researchers using the Cochrane data collection tool.

RESULTS

Our comprehensive literature review identified 251 studies. After rigorous assessment, 12 articles met our inclusion criteria. Title and abstract screening excluded seven studies that did not involve surgery, used treatments other than TENS, included acupuncture, or did not measure pain outcomes. Among these, five studies involving 776 patients examined the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on pain management in breast cancer surgery. In all of the studies reviewed, transcutaneous electrical stimulation had a beneficial effect on postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has significantly alleviated pain associated with breast cancer surgery. This therapeutic modality has improved patient satisfaction with analgesia by relieving pain; reducing analgesic use; reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting; increasing blood levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-2/IL-4 ratio; and reducing skin sensitivity. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices may improve postoperative patient outcomes and enhance the recovery process in people undergoing breast cancer surgery. The results of this study are limited by heterogeneity and the small number of included studies. Future research should prioritize standardization of intervention procedures and investigation of the long-term effects of TENS in postoperative care.

REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the PROSPERO registration system under the number CRD42024523558.

Kinesiotherapy and Quality of Life after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether kinesiotherapy improves the quality of life of women with breast cancer following surgery.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. A search was conducted of the PubMed, Cochrane, and the Virtual Health Library Regional Portal databases to identify randomized and observational studies that compared the performance versus non-performance of kinesiotherapy protocols in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery. The outcomes evaluated were overall health status, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan version 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with a total of 867 patients were included. Of these, 669 women (77.2%) underwent mastectomy. Five studies conducted a before-after evaluation and seven studies evaluated intervention versus non-intervention in two different groups. Of the outcomes evaluated, overall health status (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.45; 95%CI: 0.09-0.82; p=0.01; I2=75%), physical functioning (SMD 0.89; 95%CI: 0.39-1.39; p=0.0005; I2=91%), social functioning (0.67; 95%CI: 0.26-1.09; p=0.001; I2=89%) and emotional functioning (SMD 0.90; 95%CI: 0.40-1.40; p=0.0004; I2=92%) showed significant results in favor of kinesiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Kinesiotherapy had a positive effect on the outcomes of overall health status and physical, social, and emotional functioning compared to controls. Therefore, kinesiotherapy appears to help recover quality of life in patients submitted to surgery for breast cancer.

Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023: A Systematic Review

Importance

Massage therapy is a popular treatment that has been advocated for dozens of painful adult health conditions and has a large evidence base.

Objective

To map systematic reviews, conclusions, and certainty or quality of evidence for outcomes of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions.

Evidence Review

In this systematic review, a computerized search was conducted of PubMed, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science from 2018 to 2023. Included studies were systematic reviews of massage therapy for pain in adult health conditions that formally rated the certainty, quality, or strength of evidence for conclusions. Studies of sports massage therapy, osteopathy, dry cupping or dry needling, and internal massage therapy (eg, for pelvic floor pain) were ineligible, as were self-administered massage therapy techniques, such as foam rolling. Reviews were categorized as those with at least 1 conclusion rated as high-certainty evidence, at least 1 conclusion rated as moderate-certainty evidence, and all conclusions rated as low- or very low-certainty evidence; a full list of conclusions and certainty of evidence was collected.

Findings

A total of 129 systematic reviews of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions were found; of these, 41 reviews used a formal method to rate certainty or quality of evidence of their conclusions and 17 reviews were mapped, covering 13 health conditions. Across these reviews, no conclusions were rated as high certainty of evidence. There were 7 conclusions that were rated as moderate-certainty evidence; all remaining conclusions were rated as low- or very low-certainty evidence. All conclusions rated as moderate certainty were that massage therapy had a beneficial associations with pain.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that despite a large number of randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions rated a minority of conclusions as moderate-certainty evidence and that conclusions with moderate- or high-certainty evidence that massage therapy was superior to other active therapies were rare.

Evaluation and Management of Shoulder Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors

Purpose of Review

Shoulder dysfunction widely affects function and quality of life of cancer survivors. This paper discusses the etiology, identification, evaluation, and management of the common shoulder impairments seen in cancer survivors, particularly those with breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Recent Findings

Shoulder dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of sources, often as a sequelae of cancer treatments including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy. These can change the shoulder biomechanics leading to musculoskeletal disorders such as rotator cuff disease and adhesive capsulitis. Other etiologies include neuromuscular complications, such as post-breast surgery pain syndrome and radiation fibrosis syndrome, and lymphovascular disorders such as lymphedema and axillary web syndrome. Metastatic bone disease and primary bone cancer should be considered for those with intense shoulder pain. Detailed history and physical exam, and in some cases, imaging can assist with evaluation of shoulder issues. Exercise, physical and occupation therapy are essential in managing shoulder dysfunction.

Summary

Shoulder dysfunction can limit function and quality of life for cancer survivors. It is important to consider the possible etiologies as accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal treatment.

Exercise Therapy in Oncology—the Impact on Quality of Life and Side Effects

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are highly stressful. Exercise therapy is often used to mitigate the adverse effects of treatment. But how good is the evidence base, and what has changed in recent years? In this narrative review, we present the current data and what it implies for the care of adults with cancer.

METHODS

This review is based on data from meta-analyses and systematic reviews concerning 16 relevant clinical endpoints (outcomes) of exercise therapy for cancer patients.

RESULTS

The literature evaluated for this paper reveals that targeted exercise therapy is feasible and safe under appropriate supervision. It is highly effective for improving eight endpoints (anxiety, depression, fatigue, quality of life, physical function, secondary lymphedema after breast cancer, urinary incontinence, post-mastectomy pain syndrome in breast cancer) and may also have a beneficial effect on sleep quality, cardiotoxicity, and cognitive function. Less conclusive studies are currently available with respect to chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy, nausea/vomiting, and bone health. There is currently insufficient data to suggest any benefit with respect to sexual function and risk factors for falling.

CONCLUSION

The data shows that exercise therapy for cancer patients is safe and has manifold effects on selected clinically relevant parameters. Further studies should be performed regarding the possible utility of exercise therapy against treatment-related side effects for which the evidence is currently insufficient. On the basis of the currently available and already existing recommendations, quality-assured exercise therapy can be recommended to cancer patients suffering from a wide range of neoplastic conditions.

Novel Prevention Approaches of Breast Cancer Surgery Related Complications: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer surgery related complications are a complex condition influenced by interactions among nerve pathways and the physiological responses to breast surgery. The intensity of this complications displays substantial heterogeneity, dependent on individual patient characteristics, the extent of the surgical procedure performed, and various contributing factors.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating interventions for post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate direct and indirect evidence, enabling comparisons of multiple interventions across different outcome measures.

RESULTS

The systematic search yielded a total of 26 RCTs investigating 4 groups of different interventions for PMPS. The interventions included pharmacological agents, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and anesthesia regimens. Nerve blocks (OR: 0.34; 95% CrI: 0.24-0.46) and anesthesia (OR: 0.39; 95% CrI: 0.26-0.56) demonstrated improvements in functional outcomes and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and network meta-analysis provide a comprehensive evaluation of interventions for PMPS, highlighting their varying efficacy in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes and quality of life. However, further research with large-scale, well-designed RCTs is warranted to strengthen the evidence base and validate the effectiveness of these interventions in managing PMPS effectively.

Postmastectomy Functional Impairments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review aims to offer a thorough summary of functional impairments commonly encountered by breast cancer survivors following mastectomy. Its objective is to discuss the factors influencing these impairments and explore diverse strategies for managing them.

RECENT FINDINGS

Postmastectomy functional impairments can be grouped into three categories: neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and lymphovascular. Neuromuscular issues include postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and phantom breast syndrome (PBS). Musculoskeletal problems encompass myofascial pain syndrome and adhesive capsulitis. Lymphovascular dysfunctions include lymphedema and axillary web syndrome (AWS). Factors such as age, surgical techniques, and adjuvant therapies influence the development of these functional impairments. Managing functional impairments requires a comprehensive approach involving physical therapy, pharmacologic therapy, exercise, and surgical treatment when indicated. It is important to identify the risk factors associated with these conditions to tailor interventions accordingly. The impact of breast reconstruction on these impairments remains uncertain, with mixed results reported in the literature.

Evidence-Based Guideline on the Prevention and Management of Perioperative Pain for Breast Cancer Peoples in a Low-Resource Setting: A Systematic Review Article

Background

Breast surgery for breast cancer is associated with significant acute and persistent postoperative pain. Surgery is the primary type of treatment, but up to 60% of breast cancer patients experience persistent pain after surgery, and 40% of them develop acute postmastectomy pain syndrome. Preoperative stress, involvement of lymph nodes while dissecting, and the postoperative psychological state of the patients play vital roles in managing the postoperative pain of the patients. The objective of this study is to develop evidence-based guideline on the prevention and management of perioperative pain for breast cancer surgical patients.

Methods

An exhaustive literature search was made from PubMed, Cochrane Review, PubMed, Google Scholar, Hinari, and CINAHIL databases that are published from 2012 to 2022 by setting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After data extraction, filtering was made based on the methodological quality, population data, interventions, and outcome of interest. Finally, one guideline, two meta-analyses, ten systematic reviews, 25 randomized clinical trials and ten observational studies are included in this review, and a conclusion was made based on their level of evidence and grade of recommendation.

Results

A total of 38 studies were considered in this evaluation. The development of this guideline was based on different studies performed on the diagnosis, risk stratification and risk reduction, prevention of postoperative pain, and treatments of postoperative pain.

Conclusion

The management of postoperative pain can be categorized as risk assessment, minimizing risk, early diagnosis, and treatment. Early diagnosis is the mainstay to identify and initiate treatment. The perioperative use of a nonpharmacological approach (including preoperative positive inspirational words and positive expectation) as an adjunct to the intraoperative regional anesthetic technique with general anesthesia with proper dosage of the standard pharmacological multimodal regimens is the first-line treatment. For postoperative analgesia, an extended form of intraoperative regional technique, nonpharmacologic technique, and NSAIDs can be used with the opioid-sparing anesthesia technique.

The Effects of Complementary Therapies on Patient-Reported Outcomes: An Overview of Recent Systematic Reviews in Oncology

Many patients with cancer make use of complementary medicine alongside conventional medicine, but clinicians in oncology often lack the knowledge to adequately advise patients on the evidence base for complementary therapies. This study aims to provide an overview of recently published systematic reviews that assess the effects of complementary therapies on patient-reported health outcomes in patients with cancer. Systematic reviews, including a meta-analysis of at least two randomized controlled trials, were identified from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases. The methodological quality was assessed with AMSTAR 2. One hundred systematic reviews were included. The results suggest that several complementary therapies can improve health outcomes reported by patients with cancer, such as acupuncture to relieve pain, music interventions to reduce anxiety and yoga to improve cancer-related fatigue. The side effects related to complementary therapy use are generally mild. The results remain inconclusive for some intervention-outcome combinations. Many of the included systematic reviews insufficiently assessed the causes and impact of bias in their interpretation of the results. This overview of systematic reviews can support clinicians in counselling their patients on this topic and provide directions for future research and clinical practice guidelines in the field of complementary medicine.

The role of exercise for pain management in adults living with and beyond cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pain is a common side effect of cancer or cancer treatment that negatively impacts biopsychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. Exercise is a potential intervention to manage pain that is safe and has multiple benefits. The objective was to determine the role of exercise in cancer pain management.

METHODS

We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise interventions in adults with any type or stage of cancer by searching Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase, APA PsycInfo, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. We included experimental and quasi-experimental designs where pain was measured as an outcome. Data synthesis included narrative and tabular summary. A meta-analysis was performed on studies powered to detect the effect of exercise on pain. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool.

RESULTS

Seventy-six studies were included. Studies were predominantly conducted in breast cancer and exercise usually included a combination of aerobic and strength training. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis demonstrating a significant effect for exercise in decreasing pain (estimated average standard mean difference (SMD) was g =  - 0.73 (95% CI: - 1.16 to - 0.30)); however, the overall effect prediction interval was large. Overall risk of bias for most studies was rated as some concerns and the grading of evidence certainty was low.

CONCLUSION

There are limitations in the evidence for exercise to manage cancer-related pain. Further research is needed to understand the role of exercise in a multimodal pain management strategy.

The Intersection of Health Rehabilitation Services with Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia: Current Status and Future Needs

Quality of life (QoL) is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle, especially among individuals with chronic diseases. Saudi Arabia (SA) launched a health sector transformation program as part of the nationwide Vision 2030 initiative to ensure the sustainable development of efficient healthcare services, aiming to improve health by increasing well-being and QoL. More investigation into the current status of health rehabilitation services provided to individuals with chronic diseases and future needs to optimize services and improve QoL is needed. This was narratively discussed by experts from different health rehabilitation services in SA. Comprehensive health rehabilitation services including orthopedic, occupational, cardiac, pulmonary, critical care, perioperative, hearing and speech, substance use disorders, and vocational rehabilitation services were addressed. Health rehabilitation services in SA, as in other countries, are suboptimal for individuals in health rehabilitation programs. To optimize the QoL of individuals with chronic diseases, health rehabilitation services should be tailored based on the unique requirements of each service and its serving patients. The shared need to improve health rehabilitation services includes the adoption of home-based and telehealth services, the integration of multi-governmental sectors, the empowerment and allocation of health rehabilitation specialists, public awareness campaigns, policy legislation and guideline development, and the implementation of a long-term follow-up system. This review is one of the first to address the intersection of health rehabilitation services and QoL in SA; urgent and holistic actions are paramount to address the pressing need to optimize SA's health rehabilitation services. The experts' recommendations in this study may be applicable to other countries' health systems, as health rehabilitation services are not well optimized globally.

Impact of physical exercise programs in breast cancer survivors on health-related quality of life, physical fitness, and body composition: Evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and despite remarkable progress in its treatment, the survivors' quality of life is hampered by treatment-related side effects that impair psychosocial and physiological outcomes. Several studies have established the benefits of physical exercise in breast cancer survivors in recent years. Physical exercise reduces the impact of treatment-related adverse events to promote a better quality of life and functional outcomes.

Aim

This study aims to provide an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effect of physical exercise on the health-related quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition of breast cancer survivors.

Methods

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses from January 2010 to October 2022. The main focus was ascertaining the effectiveness of physical exercise in breast cancer survivors undergoing curative treatment (surgery and/or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy). Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies.

Results

A total of 101 studies were identified, and 12 were yielded for final analysis. The eligible studies included nine systematic reviews/meta-analyses, one meta-analysis/meta-regression, and two systematic reviews. The number of randomised clinical trials included in each review varied from 11 to 63, and the number of participants was from 214 to 5761. A positive and significant effect of different physical exercise interventions on health-related quality of life was reported in 83.3% (10 studies) of the eligible studies. Physical exercise also improved cardiorespiratory fitness (3 studies; 25%) and showed to be effective in reducing body weight (3 studies; 25%) and waist circumference (4 studies; 33.3%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that physical exercise is an effective strategy that positively affects breast cancer survivors' quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. Healthcare professionals should foster the adoption of physical exercise interventions to achieve better health outcomes following breast cancer treatments.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-11-0053/, identifier INPLASY2022110053.

O Uso da Bandagem Compressiva no Pós-Operatório Imediato Não Está Associado à Dor Aguda Pós-Mastectomia

Introdução: A bandagem cinesiológica e um tratamento não farmacológico de baixo custo, simples e de fácil aplicação, que tem como função atuar na redução da dor, no edema local e na melhora da atividade muscular. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre o uso da bandagem compressiva na ocorrência de dor pós-operatória em mulheres submetidas a mastectomia no Hospital do Câncer III do Instituto Nacional de Câncer (HC III/INCA). Método: Ensaio clinico randomizado com 106 mulheres submetidas a mastectomia entre marco e novembro de 2021. As pacientes, após sorteio, foram designadas para um grupo controle de cuidados de rotina da instituição e para um grupo intervenção, em que foi acrescida, aos cuidados de rotina, a aplicação da bandagem compressiva na região do plastrão no primeiro dia (D1) do pós-operatório. Foram avaliadas dor, parestesia, amplitude de movimento e síndrome da rede axilar no D1, na primeira semana (D7) e no primeiro mês (D30) após a cirurgia. Resultados: Os dois grupos foram similares com relação aos dados demográficos e clínicos. Não houve diferença significativa na presença de dor no local da aplicação (nas avaliações D7 e D30) sendo 24,1% e 27,8% para o grupo da bandagem compressiva (p=0,102) e 11,8% e 17,6% para o grupo controle (p=0,217). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa para qualquer desfecho avaliado. Conclusão: O uso da bandagem compressiva no pós-operatório imediato não esteve associado a dor e a outras complicações nas avaliações de sete e 30 dias de pós-operatório de mastectomias.

Tailoring the Evidence for Exercise Oncology within Breast Cancer Care

Exercise is safe and effective for those living with and beyond breast cancer, with evidence supporting exercise guidelines, and position statements from international organizations. Despite the clearly recognized benefits of exercise for these individuals, many do not participate or maintain recommended exercise levels throughout the breast cancer continuum, highlighting the lack of translation from research into practice. In addition, discerning how exercise can be tailored to address breast cancer-related impairments, so that individuals are able to participate safely and effectively, has also not been studied extensively. Thus, we propose that implementing exercise screening, triage, and referral pathways across the breast cancer continuum may allow for increased accessibility and adoption among those living with and beyond breast cancer. This paper provides an overview of exercise prescription tailoring for common breast cancer and treatment-related impairments, proposes a simplified screening tool for identifying physical activity and movement-related impairments, and considers how best to channel evidence into practice via proposed implementation pathways that may better connect individuals living with and beyond breast cancer with exercise oncology resources through screening, triage, and referral.