STRETCH: a rehabilitative program for patients with breast cancer

Participants in an exercise-based rehabilitative program for women with breast cancer were evaluated for physical disability. Of 114 women who were evaluated initially, there was almost universal evidence of restriction of range of motion or abnormal posture. Of the 47 women who were available for evaluation after completion of the eight-week program, 42 showed increases in one or more movements with no concomitant decreases. Five patients had a decrease in a single measurement. Of 96 participants evaluated for psychosocial benefits, two thirds reported positive psychologic effects.