Exercise to prevent shoulder problems after breast cancer surgery: the PROSPER RCT

Background Upper limb problems are common after breast cancer treatment. Objectives To investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a structured exercise programme compared with usual care on upper limb function, health-related outcomes and costs in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Design This was a two-arm, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial with embedded qualitative research, process evaluation and parallel economic analysis; the unit of randomisation was the individual (allocated ratio 1 : 1). Setting Breast cancer centres, secondary care. Participants Women aged ≥ 18 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and were at higher risk of developing shoulder problems. Women were screened to identify their risk status. Interventions All participants received usual-care information leaflets. Those randomised to exercise were…