An De Groef1,2, Nele Devoogdt1,2,3, Marijke Van Kampen1,2, Laura De Hertogh1,2, Margot Vergote1,2, Inge Geraerts1,2, Lore Dams4, Elien Van der Gucht1,2, Philippe Debeer5,6. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 3. Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 4. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. 5. Department of Development and Regeneration, Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 6. Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a standard physical therapy (PT) programme on upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment. METHODS:Fifty breast cancer patients with persistent pain 3 months after finishing treatment participated in a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received a single BTX-A infiltration. The control group received a placebo (saline) infiltration. Within one week after the infiltration, all patients attended an individual PT programme (12 sessions) during the first 3 months. Outcome parameters were active shoulder range of motion, upper limb strength, scapular statics and shoulder function. Measures were taken before the intervention, at 1, 3 (i.e. after the intervention) and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: No differences between groups were found for all outcome parameters over the course of 6 months. However, overall beneficial effects of the PT for active forward flexion shoulder range of motion and shoulder function were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: A single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a PT programme cannot be recommended to treat upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a standard physical therapy (PT) programme on upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Fifty breast cancerpatients with persistent pain 3 months after finishing treatment participated in a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received a single BTX-A infiltration. The control group received a placebo (saline) infiltration. Within one week after the infiltration, all patients attended an individual PT programme (12 sessions) during the first 3 months. Outcome parameters were active shoulder range of motion, upper limb strength, scapular statics and shoulder function. Measures were taken before the intervention, at 1, 3 (i.e. after the intervention) and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: No differences between groups were found for all outcome parameters over the course of 6 months. However, overall beneficial effects of the PT for active forward flexion shoulder range of motion and shoulder function were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: A single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a PT programme cannot be recommended to treat upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment.