08/08/2025
“ The PROSPER trial”📃
👉Development of an exercise intervention for the prevention of musculoskeletal shoulder problems after breast cancer treatment
👉Musculoskeletal shoulder problems are common after breast cancer treatment.
Early postoperative exercise may improve shoulder function.
The PROSPER trial evaluates a physiotherapy-led intervention to prevent shoulder dysfunction.
🔧 Intervention Components
Shoulder-specific exercises: Target ROM and strength.
General physical activity: Based on national guidelines (150 min/week).
Behavioural strategies: Promote adherence and self-management.
💪 Exercise Program Design
-ROM Exercises:
Focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
Active and active-assisted movements.
Limited to 90° for first 7 days post-op.
-Stretching:
Daily “stretch and hold” for pectoralis muscle (10 min/day).
-Strengthening (from week 4):
Resistance bands (tailored using Borg scale).
Progressive intensity and volume.
