Breast cancer survivors suffer musculoskeletal alterations caused by surgery

A research study conducted at the University of Granada –and published in the prestigious American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation–has revealed that the surgery performed on breast cancer patients causes musculoskeletal alterations. This a pioneer study, as this is the first time that breast cancer survivors are demonstrated to suffer a greater activation of neck and shoulder muscles during an upper limb task, which may contribute to the development of chronic pain.

Consequently, physiotherapy should be provided to these patients to eradicate the alterations detected and enhance the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

International Recognition

The research paper titled Altered Pattern of Cervical Muscle Activation During Performance of a Functional Upper Limb Task in Breast Cancer Survivors has been awarded the Mention Winner of the 2011 Association of Academic Physiatrists Excellence in Research Writing Awards. The researchers will receive the award next 1 March 2012 at the next Association of Academic Phsyiatrists Annual Meeting Award Ceremony, which will be held in Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas.

This award recognizes the scientific excellence of this research paper, which was selected among all articles published by the American Association of Academic Physiatrists in 2011.