Analysis of physiotherapeutic techniques used in patients submitted to mastectomy: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer has increased significantly worldwide, representing a public health problem of great relevance. Aim: To determine which physiotherapy resources are being used and identify the most significant results in the recovery of mastectomy patients. Methods: An integrative literature review study was conducted through searches in electronic databases of computerized and indexed data such as LILACS, MEDLINE / PubMed and SCIELO. Randomized clinic trials written in Portuguese, English and Spanish published from January / 2001 to June / 2013 were selected. The methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad Quality scale. Results: Overall, 470 articles were identified in electronic databases. After applying the exclusion criteria, 11 articles were included in the review study. Conclusion: Heterogeneity with regard to resources used in protocols was observed, although the importance of physiotherapy treatment was highlighted.