Mobile Application to Favor Physical Rehabilitation in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients

Abstract

In recent decades there has been a breakthrough development of new technologies, making mobile technology an essential tool in everyday life. Many fields of medicine consider the potential use of the mHealth (mobile Health) apps, including breast cancer, which worldwide is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of death. Surgery is a fundamental pillar in its treatment, causing functional disorders of the upper limb, such as restricted mobility. Even though there are spaces for the physical rehabilitation of patients, their incorporation during the postoperative process is still insufficient. Therefore, we have proposed to develop a mobile application to promote physical rehabilitation in patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery. For the design of this application, we considered the recommendations of the Agency of Sanitary Quality of Andalusia (2012) and used the integrated development environment Android. Within the nominal group was evidenced its feasibility. The results obtained allow us to state that the proposal is easy to use and appropriate to the main elements that make up the physical exercises. Its content takes into account the particularities of the context of breast cancer-operated patients.  The measurements developed allowed determining the loss of joint mobility in the affected arm compared to its regular performance. Also, identical movements of the two arms draw significant differences between the measurements.