Effects of Vibration Therapy on Muscle Strength, Shoulder Range of Motion, and Muscle Biomechanical Properties in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of vibration therapy to home-based exercises on shoulder muscle strength, range of motion, pain-related disability, and muscles viscoelastic properties of shoulder and neck in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

DESIGN

This randomized controlled superiority trial was conducted with 38 participants who underwent breast cancer surgery. All patients were randomized into two groups: control group and vibration group. Both groups performed home-based exercises for 5 days a week for 6 wks. Vibration group received additional vibration therapy for 2 days a week for 6 wks. Shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, pain, disability, grip strength, and viscoelastic properties of the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid were compared before and after intervention.

RESULTS

Vibration group demonstrated better improvement in shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, and pain-related disability ( P < 0.05), except for internal rotation range of motion. Only tone of pectoralis major was significantly higher in vibration group according to group x time interaction ( P < 0.05), no differences were detected in terms of muscle viscoelastic properties in the control group patients ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vibration therapy provided superior improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and pain-related disability compared to home-based exercises alone in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy in the early postoperative phase.

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CME

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Determine the impact that whiplash-associated disorders have on a patient's life; (2) Identify and recognize the greater benefits of a supervised exercise therapy on recovery after a whiplash injury; and (3) Differentiate between the different exercise protocols conducted (types of exercises and duration) and incorporate therapy appropriately as part of an effective treatment plan.

LEVEL: Advanced.

ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.