The effects of a shoulder exercise program combined with qigong on ability to shoulder function of breast cancer patients after mastectomy

Abstract

          This quasi-experimental research aimed to assess improvements in shoulder mobility in post-operative breast cancer patients, undertaking a program of exercises and qigong. The sample consisted of post-operative breast cancer patients, at Police General Hospital. Using specific inclusion criteria, the first group of 26 patients was assigned to the control group, receiving usual care, and the second group of 25 patients undertook a shoulder exercise program in combination with qigong for one month following surgery. This program was developed from the shoulder exercise program of Nongnut, Supreeda and Yupapin in combination of the qigong of Sureepron. The nursing application of this program was derived from Yura & Walsh. The instruments used in this study included 1) the data collection form to record patient data and to assess the degree shoulder movement, 2) the goniometer used to assess the degree of shoulder movement in 5 positions: flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. The reliability of the goniometer was assessed using an inter-rater reliability scale equal to 1. Analysis of personal data was made using a frequency, percentage, average, t-test. The result indicated a significant improvement in shoulder mobility of breast cancer patients in all positions following the exercise program compared to the control group (p< .05).

          The shoulder exercise program combined with qigong is an alternative method that can be used in shoulder rehabilitation patients following breast cancer surgery to reduce complications and to increase shoulder mobility.