April 2025 CME Activity: 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-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

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

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This research article investigates the effects of vibration therapy combined with home-based exercises on shoulder muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), pain-related disability, and muscle biomechanical properties in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The study involved 38 participants who were divided into two groups: a control group (CG) and a vibration group (VG), where VG received additional vibration therapy alongside regular exercises.<br /><br />Both groups followed a home-based exercise routine for six weeks, but VG participated in extra vibration therapy sessions twice a week. The outcomes measured included shoulder ROM, muscle strength, pain, disability, grip strength, and the biomechanical properties of muscles like the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid.<br /><br />Results indicated that the VG showed more significant improvements in shoulder ROM, muscle strength, and pain-related disability compared to the CG. Notably, the VG displayed a higher pectoralis major muscle tone, although no other significant changes in muscle viscoelastic properties were observed in the CG.<br /><br />Conclusively, vibration therapy is deemed beneficial in enhancing muscle strength, ROM, and reducing pain-related disability among breast cancer patients in early post-radiotherapy phases. The study proposes the integration of local vibration therapy into rehabilitation programs due to its safe application and potential improvements in muscle functionality without adverse effects or increased muscle stiffness. However, limitations noted include a lack of long-term follow-up data and varied chemotherapy statuses among patients, suggesting a need for further research into long-term impacts and homogeneous sample groups.

Keywords

vibration therapy

home-based exercises

shoulder muscle strength

range of motion

pain-related disability

breast cancer

radiotherapy

muscle biomechanical properties

rehabilitation programs

pectoral muscle tone