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Effects of different resistance exercise programs on upper limb functional recovery in postoperative breast cancer patients.

Wang S, Zhou XY, Wang YY, Fan YJ, Du AJ, Li Y et al. · Surgical oncology · 2026

Researchers randomly assigned 111 women recovering from breast cancer surgery (with lymph node removal) to no exercise, upper-limb resistance training, or that same training plus grip-strength work, then tracked grip strength and shoulder function over 16 weeks plus 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Both training groups beat the control group on shoulder range of motion, pain, muscle strength, overall shoulder score, and grip strength, and the combined grip-plus-resistance program produced the best results.
Takeaway: Add dedicated grip-strength work to upper-body resistance training when rehabbing arm and shoulder function after breast cancer surgery, with medical clearance.
Abstract (source)

Purpose: To investigate the effects of grip strength exercise combined with upper limb resistance exercise on upper limb functional rehabilitation in patients after breast cancer surgery.

Methods: A total of 111 patients who underwent either modified radical mastectomy with ALND or breast-conserving surgery with ALND were randomly assigned to a control group, an upper limb resistance exercise group, and a combined grip and upper limb resistance exercise group. Grip strength was measured at baseline, 16 weeks after intervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, while shoulder function was assessed using the Constant-Murley Scale (CMS).

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in grip strength or CMS scores among the groups before intervention (P > 0.05). At the post-intervention, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups, compared with the control group, both resistance training protocols significantly improved patients' joint range of motion, pain, muscle strength, total CMS score, and grip strength (P

Conclusion: A 16-week resistance exercise program effectively improves upper limb function in post-surgical breast cancer patients, with the combined grip and upper limb resistance exercise program yielding superior outcomes.

Primary studyResistance Training & Hypertrophy
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