Sato, F., Ishida, T., & Ohuchi, N. (2014). The perioperative educational program for improving upper arm dysfunction in patients with breast cancer: A controlled trial. Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 232, 115–122.
To determine the benefit of an educational program on arm and shoulder function for patients with breast cancer given prior to surgery and axillary lymph node dissection three months postoperatively
This was a longitudinal controlled trial that was not randomized. There was a control group and an intervention group.
Patients with training prior to breast cancer surgery and ALND developed grip strength and perceived improved arm function compared to those who did not receive training and education. No lymphedema was assessed after two months postoperatively. The exercises and the type of intervention were not described. The outcomes of the program require additional randomized studies.
Patients with breast cancer usually fail to discuss many symptoms in the DASH or SPOFIA assessment tools. If patients are taught to report these symptoms and not to consider them normal or anticipated, particularly right after surgery, nurses might refer rehabilitation earlier.