Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilates Method on the functionality of women undergoing Radical Mastectomy. Methods: This is a clinical trial with participants aged between 30 and 61 years, who underwent a physical therapy rehabilitation program using the Pilates Method, two to three times a week, lasting 60 minutes, totaling 24 sessions in one period 3 months. Before and after the treatment protocol, range of motion was assessed using Goniometry, manual muscle strength test and functionality using the Functional Independence Measure. Results: 22 participants were evaluated, of which 11 were excluded: 3 patients for not meeting the inclusion criteria; 6 due to excessive absences and 2 dropouts. The 11 patients who completed the rehabilitation program showed a significant improvement in the range of shoulder movements (flexion, extension, abduction and adduction) (p <0.05), elbow flexion-extension and lateral inclination of the cervical spine (p <0.05), in addition to an increase in functional independence (p <0.004) and muscle strength for the main muscle groups: flexors, extensors, abductors and internal shoulder rotators (p <0.0001). Conclusion: The Pilates Method proved to be effective in this sample in improving the functionality of women undergoing Radical Mastectomy, promoting gains in range of motion and strength.