Effects of Telerehabilitation in patients submitted to surgical treatment of Breast Cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of neoplasia worldwide. Surgery plays a fundamental role in the treatment of breast cancer, but it generates some physical complications during the postoperative period. In this way, telerehabilitation presents itself as a therapeutic alternative to continue in-person interventions for people who may have difficulty attending health services. Objective: to analyze the effects of telerehabilitation on physical function, pain and quality of life in post-operative breast cancer patients. Method: This is a randomized, controlled and parallel study, with blinding of participants, composed of post-surgical oncological breast surgery patients, female, aged between 18 and 70 years old and specific functional criteria for ROM and muscle strength . The groups were randomized and allocated using a computer system, dividing the population into 2 groups, G1 (n=20) who received face-to-face care and G2 (n=24) who received telerehabilitation. The primary outcomes were based on 44 patients (n=44) comparing the values of changes in quality of life, ROM, muscle strength and upper limb functionality for both groups in the period of 15 and 45 days PO. Result: After 15 and 45 days of PO, it was found that in group G2 compared to group G1, there was an increase in ROM and muscle strength for flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation movements, in addition to improved quality of life and upper limb functionality of these patients. The study did not present any type of harm to the patient during the entire research process carried out. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation is an applicable resource with good usability for patients who are in the PO period of breast cancer, as its implementation promoted results similar to in-person physiotherapy in most of the variables analyzed and even superior in terms of ROM, muscle strength, shoulder functionality, quality of life, in addition to reducing aspects related to fatigue and pain.