The Efficacy of Range of Motion Exercise in Reducing Shoulder Pain Related to Mastectomy: Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain is a common complication for women after mastectomy. Its affect more than half of the post-mastectomy patients. Shoulder pain is responsible for disability of shoulder and thus, affected patient's quality of life. Range of motion exercise is more effective technique to manage the pain and disability of shoulder following mastectomy.

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of a range of motion exercise in reducing shoulder pain and disability after mastectomy through comparing the shoulder pain intensity before and after the application of that exercise and compared with a comparison group.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on patients assigned into two groups after the pre-test. A non-probability (homogenous purposive sample) of (80) patients are included in the present study (40 patients for the study group and 40 patients for the comparison group). All patients are medically diagnosed with shoulder pain and disability after mastectomy. 

Outcomes: The study results indicated a reduction in the pain intensity and improved shoulder movement in the study group compared with those participants in the comparison group and between pre-test and post-test in the study group.

Conclusion: Implementation of the range of motion exercise program for four weeks is an effective approach to reducing the pain intensity and improving the movement of the shoulder after mastectomy compared with the comparison group.

Recommends: Researcher suggest the possibility of applying the range of motion exercise in   other similar situations, such as lymphedema.