Feasibility of a Home-based Exercise Program after Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Surgery Reconstruction：An Observational Study

<p>Objective：We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of our rehabilitation program for abdominally based rehabilitation following autologous breast reconstruction, and investigate the changes in physical function and health-related quality of life in the early postoperative period.</p><p>Methods：Fifteen patients who underwent breast reconstruction between September 2020 and October 2021 were included in this prospective, observational case series.</p><p>The program composed of prehabilitation and postoperative home-based exercise until 12 weeks post-surgery. Adherence to home exercise program was surveyed using a self-reported workout check list. At postoperative 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th weeks, a physio-/occupational therapist assessed the following objectives：i) Range of motion, muscle strength, and disability of upper extremity and trunk, ii) Quality of life using EQ-5D questionnaire, and iii) Patients' daily activities.</p><p>Results：No adverse events were observed, and all patients completed the program. Overall adherence to daily exercise was 71.1％．Physical function of the upper extremities recovered in 8th postoperative week；however, truncal function, quality of life, and daily activities in 12th postoperative week remained lower than those observed preoperatively. Nevertheless, the program appeared useful for many patients, although some reported difficulty in continuing the exercise after returning to work.</p><p>Conclusion：Rehabilitation programs directed by physio/occupational therapists may play a potentially advantageous role in facilitating a return to baseline function and quality of life during the early postoperative period.</p>