Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of rehabilitation training start time after mastectomy on the recovery of the affected limb function. Methods 90 patients who received modified radical mastectomy were divided into groups A, B and C randomly. All the patients accepted the unified rehabilitation program, but started 1, 3 and 10 d after the operation respectively. They were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) assessment for affected shoulder 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. Results The score of JOA was the least in the group C (P<0.01) 1 month after operation, and was the most in the group A 3 months after operation (P<0.01). At the end of the 6th month, there was no difference among these groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The rehabilitation training can be started as early as possible.

Key words: breast cancer, modified radical mastectomy, shoulder joint, early rehabilitation