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Cited by 142Cancer survivorship and careLymphatic System and DiseasesBreast Cancer Treatment Studies

Upper limb progressive resistance training and stretching exercises following surgery for early breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Kilbreath, Sharon L., Refshauge, Kathryn M., Beith, Jane M., Ward, Leigh C., Lee, MiJoung, Simpson, Judy M., Hansen, Ross·2012·Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
DOI 10.1007/s10549-012-1964-1
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether an exercise program, commencing 4-6 weeks post-operatively, reduces upper limb impairments in women treated for early breast cancer. Women (n = 160) were randomized to either an 8-week exercise program (n = 81) or to a control group (n = 79) following stratification for axillary surgery. The exercise program comprised a weekly session and home program of passive stretching and progressive resistance training for shoulder muscles. The control group attended fortnightly assessments but no exercises were provided. The primary outcome was self-reported arm symptoms derived from the EORTC breast cancer-specific questionnaire (BR23), scored out of 100 with a low score indicative of fewer symptoms. The secondary outcomes included physical measures of shoulder range of motion, strength, and swelling (i.e., lymphedema). Women were assessed immediately following the intervention and at 6 months post-intervention. The change in symptoms from baseline was not significantly different between groups immediately following the intervention or at 6 m post-intervention. The between group difference immediately following the intervention was 4 (95% CI -1 to 9) and 6 months post-intervention was 4 (-2 to 10). However, the change in range of motion for flexion and abduction was significantly greater in the exercise group immediately following the intervention, as was change in shoulder abductor strength. In conclusion, a supervised exercise program provided some, albeit small, additional benefit at 6 months post-intervention to women who had been provided with written information and reminders to use their arm. Both the groups reported few impairments including swelling immediately following the intervention and 6 months post-intervention. Notably, resistance training in the post-operative period did not precipitate lymphedema.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s10549-012-1964-1

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  • A supervised progressive resistance training program focused on large muscle groups, performed 2-3 times per week with a "start low, progress slow" principle, is safe for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema.

    “For resistance training, a general progressive program focused on large muscle groups performed 2–3 times per week, with the principle of “start low, progress slow” is safe when supervised by a fitness professional(38–42).”

    From Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable (2019) · cites this paper as [40]

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Authors
Kilbreath, S. L., Refshauge, K. M., Beith, J. M., Ward, L. C., Lee, M., Simpson, J. M., & Hansen, R.
Affiliations
  • The University of Sydney (AU)
  • Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (AU)
Corresponding author
Kilbreath, Sharon L.
ORCID
Venue
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2012-01-29
Volume
133
Issue
2
Pages
667-676
ISSN
  • 0167-6806 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-7217
DOI
10.1007/s10549-012-1964-1
OpenAlex
W2074236717
Cited by
142
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 2
FWCI
4.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Lymphatic System and Diseases
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cancer Research › Breast Cancer Treatment Studies
Keywords
early breast cancer, upper limb impairment, postoperative exercise, progressive resistance training, stretching, shoulder range of motion, lymphedema, axillary surgery, arm symptoms, home exercise program, breast cancer rehabilitation
MeSH terms
Adult, Breast Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Lymphedema, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Staging, Range of Motion, Articular, Treatment Outcome, Upper Extremity, Resistance Training

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