Survey over shoulders’ movement amplitude in mastectomyzed women before and after Hatha-Yoga intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Several benefits of Hatha-Yoga in mastectomized women have been assessed, although without inquiring about the gains obtained after the recovery of their shoulders’ movement amplitude (SMA). Objectives: To observe SMA in homolateral (HLS) and contralateral shoulders (CLS) after surgery, both before and after Hatha-Yoga intervention. Method: Controlled, randomized pilot-survey in 45 mastectomyzed women, assisted in the Hospital Santa Rita de Cássia (HSRC), in the state of Vitória (ES), Brazil, from March to November, 2010. All subjects underwent initial evaluation of SMA for flexion, extension, abdution and horizontal adduction in HLS and CLS to the surgery’s spot. The experimental group underwent 6 interventions and was reevaluated thereafter, whereas control group was reevaluated after a corresponding period. Results: In both groups, HLS for flexion and abduction improved significantly, whilst neither abduction nor horizontal adduction were severely impaired. Conclusion: The results did not demonstrate the relevance of Hatha-Yoga intervention over the recovery of the mastectomized women. Surveys over a wider sample, during a longer period, are suggested in order to better evaluate the muscular effects of such intervention in that population.