Early post-mastectomy upper limb kinesiotherapy plan

Abstract

Introduction: Although breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm in women, thanks to technological advances and early detection, life expectancy in this population has increased considerably; Therefore, the incidence of musculoskeletal and functional problems in the upper limb has also increased. Early kinesiotherapy with active exercises is an adjuvant treatment alternative in addressing disorders associated with mastectomy. Therefore, based on a previous study, an early post-mastectomy upper limb kinesiotherapy plan is proposed.Objective: Validate the content of the early post-mastectomy upper limb kinesiotherapy plan.Methodology: The present study was analytical, documentary with a quantitative approach based on the results of the preliminary study carried out on 30 women mastectomized for breast cancer. It was structured based on the analysis and experience of the authors and the early kinesiotherapy exercise plan for the post-mastectomy upper limb was validated, through expert judgment and calculation of the Content Validity Coefficient – ​​CVC, proposed by Hernández-Nieto (2011).Results: A 6-week plan was structured, with a frequency of 3 times a week on alternate days. With sessions of 45 to 60 minutes, based on breathing exercises, active mobility and stretching with a progression in repetitions. The plan was validated with an excellent level of agreement between experts with a CVC of 0.96 per item and overall.Conclusion: The early post-mastectomy upper limb kinesiotherapy plan is an alternative for complementary physiotherapy intervention in the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions associated with mastectomy, being especially useful two weeks after surgery, to improve joint range, muscle strength and global shoulder functionality compromised.