Aerobic fitness values were generally below average , although 6-minute walk time was closer to population norms .
Upper and lower extremity strength was lower than population norms for women who were currently receiving cancer treatment .
Lower extremity strength was above population norms for women who had completed treatment .
Aerobic capacity and upper extremity strength in women diagnosed with breast cancer are generally lower than population norms .
QUESTION What are typical values of physical function for women diagnosed with breast cancer and how do these compare to normative data ?
The efficacy of physiotherapy upon shoulder function following axillary dissection in breast cancer, a randomized controlled study
Background Many patients suffer from severe shoulder complaints after breast cancer surgery and axillary lymph node dissection .  Physiotherapy has been clinical ly observed to improve treatment of these patients . However , it is not a st and ard treatment regime . The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of physiotherapy treatment of shoulder function , pain and quality of life in patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery and axillary lymph node dissection . Methods Thirty patients following breast cancer surgery and axillary lymph node dissection were included in a r and omised controlled study . Assessment s were made at baseline and after three and six months . The treatment group received st and ardised physiotherapy treatment of advice and exercises for the arm and shoulder for three months ; the control group received a leaflet containing advice and exercises . If necessary soft tissue massage to the surgical scar was applied . Primary outcome variables were amount of pain in the shoulder/arm recorded on the Visual Analogue Scale , and shoulder mobility ( flexion , abduction ) measured using a digital inclinometer under st and ardized conditions . Secondary outcome measures were shoulder disabilities during daily activities , edema , grip strength of both h and s and quality of life . The research er was blinded to treatment allocation . Results All thirty patients completed the trial . After three and six months the treatment group showed a significant improvement in shoulder mobility and had significantly less pain than the control group . Quality of life improved significantly , however , h and grip strength and arm volume did not alter significantly . Conclusion Physiotherapy reduces pain and improves shoulder function and quality of life following axillary dissection after breast cancer . Trial registration IS RCT
Aerobic fitness values were generally below average , although 6-minute walk time was closer to population norms .
Upper and lower extremity strength was lower than population norms for women who were currently receiving cancer treatment .
Lower extremity strength was above population norms for women who had completed treatment .
Aerobic capacity and upper extremity strength in women diagnosed with breast cancer are generally lower than population norms .
QUESTION What are typical values of physical function for women diagnosed with breast cancer and how do these compare to normative data ?