Effect of Rehabilitative Therapy on Upper Limb Functions among Patients with Breast Cancer undergoing Radiotherapy

Radwan, Hanan Ragab; Abdullah, Wafaa H.; Abd EL-Bary, Nasser Mohamed; Masry, Samah E.; El-Sayad, Hanaa E.

doi:10.21608/menj.2025.451004

Effect of Rehabilitative Therapy on Upper Limb Functions among Patients with Breast Cancer undergoing Radiotherapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assist. Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt,

² Prof. of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt,

³ Prof. of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt

⁴ Assist.Prof. of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt,

10.21608/menj.2025.451004

Abstract

Abstract: Background: radiation therapy can destroy cancer cells, but it also damage normal cells. Breast cancer patients often experience limitation in shoulder functions after radiotherapy. Purpose: to examine the effect of rehabilitative therapy on upper limb functions among breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Design: a quasi-experimental research design was utilized for this study. Setting: the study was conducted at the Oncology outpatient clinic of radiation therapy department at Menoufia University Hospital in Shibin El Koum, Egypt. Sample: a convenient sample of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria was selected and divided into two equal groups (Study & Control). Instruments: two instruments were used for data collection: Structured interview questionnaire and The University of California, Los Angeles Shoulder Rating scale (UCLA). Results: the study results revealed a statistical significant increase in the total mean UCLA score within the study group participants at four weeks post intervention and follow up after 12 weeks (4.8±1.8 and 8.8±1.47 respectively) in addition to a highly statistically significant difference was existed between the both groups (study& control) at four weeks and 12 weeks after intervention. Conclusions: rehabilitative therapy had a significant effect on improvement of upper limb functions among study group than control group. Recommendations: Nursing staff at radiotherapy unit should be encouraged about the use of rehabilitative therapy for patients with breast cancer throughout their radiotherapy course to improve the upper limb function.

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