Exercise therapies are effective methods in the treatment of complications after breast cancer surgery. The study aims to compare exercise practices with virtual reality-based exercise training during radiotherapy period after breast cancer surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups as virtual reality group, exercise group, and control group, considering the order of arrival at the clinic and the type of surgery (mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery). Patients in virtual reality group received virtual reality-based exercise training using Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect (Redmond, WA). Patients in exercise group received an exercise program including range of motion, posture, stretching and breathing exercises. Both exercise groups participated in the exercise program for 30- 40 minutes, 3 days a week, as long as radiotherapy continued (5-6 weeks). Patients in the control group did not receive any exercise intervention as is done in the current practice. Assessment methods were applied at the beginning and at the end of the radiotherapy for all groups. Shoulder range of motion was measured using universal goniometer. Hand grip strength was measured using Jamar hand dynamometer. Shoulder proprioception was measured using Cybex (Lumex,NY,USA) isokinetic dynamometer. Upper extremity functional status, kinesiophobia, anxiety and depression level, fatigue and quality of life were evaluated with various questionnaires.
The main purpose of this study is to compare two different exercise approaches during the radiotherapy period in patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery.