Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of early systemic phased exercise post mastectomy on the recovery of activities of daily living. Methods 100 patients who received modified radical mastectomy were assigned to the experimental group and control group with 50 patients in each group. They all accepted routine nursing, and the experimental group accepted early systemic phased exercise in addition. They were assessed with range of motion (ROM) of shoulder and modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results ROM of shoulder improved in 90% of the experimental group and 70% of the control group (P<0.05). MBI was (84.5±18.2) in the experimental group and (51.8±16.6) in control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion Early systemic phased exercises may promote the recovery of the affected arm for the patients post mastectomy.

Key words: mastectomy, exercise, range of motion, activities of daily living, rehabilitation nursing