Rehabilitation for Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Early, Unrestricted Exercise Programs on Upper Limb Function.

Upper limb impairments are common in women following surgery for breast cancer. Range of movement (ROM) exercises are commonly prescribed, but the optimal timing to begin these exercises is not clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of early ROM exercises (Early ROM) compared to delayed ROM exercises (Delayed ROM) or usual care (UC) in reducing common complications in women following breast cancer surgery.