Adherence to Recovery Exercise Program of Scapulohumeral Articulation After Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

The adherence to the recovery exercise program is the key to the optimal results in regaining the shoulder's full range of motion. Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 30 patients with breast cancer following mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. We applied The Rotterdam Symptoms Checklist and A Brief Self Report Questionnaire on the first day after breast surgery and after one, three and six months. Results: The results revealed that the poorer the quality of life is perceived by the patient, the higher is the patient's adherence to the recovery program. Also, the higher adherence at moment zero post surgery is, the higher the chance is to be high also after one, three and six months. Patients from our study evaluate their quality of life based mostly on the presence or the lack of psychological symptoms, despite the physical symptoms. Psychological state of the patient influences her activity score and vice-versa, return to the daily activities improves the psychological symptoms. Conclusion: The evaluation of the overall state of health of the cancer patients after surgery and their activity level is important in determining their future adherence to the exercise program and the success of recovery.