Effectiveness of PNF Training for Improving for Muscle Strength, Function, and Pain After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

The PNF technique was performed in the supine position with the hip joints of the patients in 30° flexion and the lower extremities in semi-flexion. The application was performed in 2 different diagonal and 4 different patterns (flexion-abduction-external rotation/extension-abduction-internal rotation, and flexion-adduction-external rotation/extension-abduction-internal rotation) of the upper extremity. When starting the exercise, the muscles were first brought to their longest position and the patient was asked to move in the direction of the pattern with resistance (concentric contraction) and to maintain this position for 6 seconds at the end of the pattern (isometric contraction). Then, while the therapist was taking the patient's arm to the starting position, the patient was asked to prevent movement (eccentric contraction). All of these moves counted as one repetition. 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions were performed for each pattern.

"Strengthening exercises targeting the upper extremity main muscles were applied to the PRE group with progressive resistance. Dumbbells and sandbags were used as resistance equipment. resistance intensity; 50-80% of a repetition maximum (RM) was determined according to the patient's tolerance. The exercises were applied as 8-12 repetitions and 3 sets. A rest period of 60-90 seconds was allowed between each set. After the 4th week of the training, 1 RM was measured again and the resistance density was updated. The 8 strengthening exercises to be applied were created by taking examples from the literature and in accordance with the Guidelines for implementing exercise programs exercise programs for cancer patients. These exercises are: dumbbell fly, triceps extension, biceps curl up, one-arm bent over row, dumbbell sides rise, lifting the arm forward, wrist curl and side lying shoulder internal -external rotation."

The patients in the control group were instructed to continue their usual daily lives (not changing their physical activity levels, diet, drug use, etc.) until the date of re-evaluation after the initial evaluation. Information was given about the upper extremity normal range of motion exercises that they could apply at home, and a brochure was given.