Effect of Neural Tissue Mobilization on Sensory-Motor Impairments in Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema: An Experimental Study

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed to Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India.

2 Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Krishna college of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical sciences “Deemed To Be University”, Karad, India.

3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed to Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

Background: Breast surgery, Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND), radiation and chemotherapy may develop several complications such as axillary web syndrome, frozen shoulder, numbness, shoulder pain and range of motion restriction, lymphostasis, and lymphedema. Up to 77% report sensory disturbance in the breast or arm after breast surgery. These short- and long-term consequences have dramatic impact on physical function and quality of life in this population. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of neural tissue mobilization on sensory-motor impairments in breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out by analyzing total 100 breast cancer survivor women, with lymphedema aged between 30-65 years of age who had undergone breast surgery mostly lumpectomy along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Participants were divided into two groups by random allocation. One group underwent neurodynamic mobilization and the other group conventional physiotherapy.The treatment protocol was given for 6 weeks. Parameters such ROM, pain, lymphedema and sensory-motor impairments were assessed at the baseline before the treatment and 6 weeks after the treatment.Result: The result from this study shows that there is significant improvement (p<0.0001, t-value 4.69) in mTNS of patients undergoing neural tissue mobilization,whereas there was no significant improvement (p=0.05, t-value 1.951) seen in patients undergoing conventional physiotherapy. Conclusion: This study concludes that effect of neural tissue mobilization has significant impact on sensory motor impairments as compared to conventional treatment protocol in breast cancer survivors with lymphedema.Pain and ROM showed similar difference with both the treatment protocols. It was also observed that patients with mild and moderate lymphedema showed significant improvement as compared to patients with severe lymphedema.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 24, Issue 1
January 2023
Pages 313-319

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 August 2022
  • Revise Date: 19 October 2022
  • Accept Date: 05 January 2023

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