Effects of occupational therapy in return-to-family intervention on upper limb, shoulder function, and role function...

To evaluate the effects of occupational therapy in a return-to-family intervention (RTF-I) on upper limb, shoulder, and role function in breast cancer patients.

A total of 104 participants were randomly assigned to either the RTF-I group or a control group. Upper limb function, health-related quality of life, and role function were assessed using multiple tools, including a self-assessment scale of the upper arm and shoulder function; the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH); shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements; the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System-Short Form (CARES-SF); and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES). Data were collected at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up.

Following the intervention, the RTF-I group demonstrated significant improvements in all evaluated outcomes compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These included total and dimensional scores on the Self-Assessment Scale, Quick-DASH, and CARES-SF; shoulder ROM (flexion, extension, abduction, and horizontal abduction); and FACES scores.

RTF-I was associated with improvements in upper limb function, quality of life, and role performance in postoperative breast cancer patients, potentially supporting their reintegration into family life.