Abstract
Background and Background andPurpose: Purpose: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of
Pilates exercises on shoulder range of motion (ROM), pain, mood, and upperextremity (UE) function in women who had been treated for breast cancer.
Participants: The participants were 4 women who had Participants: undergone axillary
dissection and radiation therapy for stage I to IV breast cancer.
Methods: A nonconcurrent, multiple-baseline, single Methods: -subject research design was
used to examine the effects of Pilates exercises on the 4 outcomes.
Results: Visual analyses of the data suggest a mode Results: st effect of the Pilates exercise
program in improving shoulder abduction and external rotation ROM. Statistically
significant improvement in shoulder internal and external rotation in the affected
UE was shown for the one participant with pre-existing metastatic disease. The
improving baselines seen for pain, mood, and UE function data made it impossible
to assess the effects of Pilates exercises on those outcomes. No adverse events
were experienced.
Discussion and Conclusion: Pilates exercises may be Discussion and Conclusion: an effective and safe exercise
option for women who are recovering from breast cancer treatments; however,
further research is needed.
