Asian Oncol Nurs.  2020 Mar;20(1):50-60. 10.5388/aon.2020.20.1.50.

Exercise Barriers and Facilitators After Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction

• Park HN
• Yeon S
• Min J
• Byeon JY
• Min JJ
• Song SY
• Lee DW
• Jeon JY

• KMID: 2507439
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2020.20.1.50

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of exercise participation among patients following transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction surgery.
Methods
A phenomenological method was used in this study. Exercise experiences for twelve patients, who had undergone TRAM flap breast reconstruction, were collected through focus group interviews.
Results
The factors that contributed to exercise barriers in the experience of TRAM flap breast reconstruction patient exercise participation were categorized into 3 groups: ‘fear of exercise after surgery’, ‘weakened emotional condition’, and ‘lack of exercise information’. Exercise facilitators after TRAM flap breast reconstruction were also categorized into 3 groups: ‘desire to improve appearance’, ‘feasiable exercise program’, and ‘exercise experience’.
Conclusion
The results of this study reveal the exercise barriers and facilitators for patients following TRAM flap breast reconstruction, which should be considered to develop effective exercise programs.

Keyword

Breast reconstruction