Myofascial Induction in Breast Cancer Survivors

Randomized, Single-blind, Placebo-controlled Cross-over Design of Myofascial Induction and Placebo Electrotherapy in Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study was to show the immediate effects of myofascial induction on perceived pain and anxiety, cervical/shoulder range of motion and mood state in breast cancer survivors suffering shoulder/arm morbidity.

Background: To investigate the immediate effects of myofascial induction on perceived pain and anxiety, cervical/shoulder range of motion and mood state in breast cancer survivors suffering shoulder/arm morbidity.

Methods: Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Twenty-one enrolled participants who had a diagnosis of breast cancer stage I-IIIA and had completed adjuvant therapy except hormonal treatment. The study consisted of two intervention sessions of 30 minutes separated by a wash-up period of 4 weeks. The interventions consisted of a Myofascial Induction (experimental group) or placebo pulsed shortwave therapy (control group). The main outcome measures were: Visual Analogue Scale for pain and anxiety, shoulder-cervical goniometry for range of motion, Profile of Mood States for psychological distress and Attitudes Toward Massage Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• had a diagnosis of breast cancer (cancer stage I-IIIA)
• was between the ages of 25 and 65
• had completed adjuvant therapy except hormonal treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• had cancer recurrence