Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving shoulder biomechanical parameters, functionality, and pain after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy have been associated with pain, physical symptoms, and decreased functional abilities in the upper extremity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on muscle strength, pain and functionality in this patient group in comparison with progressive resistance training (PRT). METHODS: The study was conducted with a randomized clinical trial design. Sixty-six women were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups: the PNF group (n = 22), the PRT group (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22). The participants were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Outcome measures were determined as pain (the Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity strength (isokinetic dynamometer), functionality (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and perception of change (the Global Rating of Change Scale). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05288036. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant changes in both treatment groups in terms of shoulder flexors/extensors, abductor/adductors, internal/external rotators strength/power/endurance measurement, pain, and functionality (p < 0.05). Concerning functionality and perception of change, the PNF group had a statistically significantly higher improvement compared to the remaining two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PNF is an effective technique in increasing upper extremity muscle strength, reducing pain during rest and activity, and improving functionality in patients receiving breast cancer treatment.

YouTube English videos as a source of information on arm and shoulder exercise after breast cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To examine the reliability, quality and content of YouTube videos on exercises that can be performed after breast cancer (BC) surgery. METHODS: Videos selected from YouTube using the search terms 'shoulder exercise and BC surgery', 'arm exercise and BC surgery' and 'physiotherapy/physical therapy and BC surgery' were categorised as useful or misleading by a surgeon and a physiotherapist. The videos were analysed using the 5-point DISCERN scale for reliability, the Global Quality Scale for quality and a 10-item scale for comprehensiveness. RESULTS: Of the 180 videos initially analysed, 82 were included in the study, and 42 (51.2%) were classified as having misleading information and 40(48.8%) as having useful information. The reliability, quality and content scores of the videos containing useful information were higher (p < 0.001). Most of the videos in the useful information group (80%) were uploaded by universities/professional organisations/physicians/physiotherapists, while the majority of those in the misleading information group (47.6%) were uploaded by websites providing independent healthcare information. CONCLUSION: YouTube can be an important instrument to protect patients from musculoskeletal system complications after BC treatment and improve existing complications. Universities, physicians and physiotherapists should be encouraged to prepare more videos containing full and accurate information on this subject.