| dc.description.abstract | Breast cancer is the most common cancer
among women worldwide, including Sri Lanka.
Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) is the standard
surgical management when the breast conservation
is not considered as an option. However, common
post-surgical complications of MRM include
impairment of shoulder joint mobility and
lymphedema which could be managed well with
early physiotherapy intervention. This study was
aimed to identify the relationship between shoulder
joint mobility and early physiotherapy intervention
among breast cancer survivors at Apeksha hospital,
Maharagama, 74 female breast cancer patients
referred to the Department of Physiotherapy for the
first time were recruited for this study. Patients with
history of shoulder joint injuries or other
pathologies were excluded from the study. An
interviewer-administered questionnaire was used
to collect information of socio-demographic data
and underwent surgical procedures. Shoulder joint
Active Range of Motions (AROM) (flexion, extension,
abduction, Internal Rotation (IR) and External
Rotation (ER)) of the affected side was measured by
universal goniometer following standard procedure.
Delayed period to commence physiotherapy of the
sample ranged from < 1 year to 17 years. According
to the findings, the mean values of AROM of flexion,
extension, abduction, IR, and ER were 1570±140,
510±50, 1370±220, 700±120, 750±80, respectively.
A significant negative relationship showed between
delayed physiotherapy intervention and shoulder
joint AROM of flexion (p=0.05, r=-0.82), extension
(p=0.05, r=-0.54), abduction (p=0.05, r=-0.75), IR
(p=0.05, r=-0.76) and ER (p=0.05, r=-0.74).
Therefore, shoulder mobility limitation increases
with time of delayed physiotherapy intervention.
Hence, it is advisable for patients to participate in
early physiotherapy interventions to reduce the
level of shoulder immobility. | en_US |
