The effects of exercise on mastalgia

Objective: Mastalgia is often ignored by physicians although it is the most common breast-related complaint among women. The effectiveness of exercise therapy for mastalgia is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exercise on mastalgia.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with twenty women with complaints of mastalgia fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group and to the exercise group. Sports brassiere, refraining from caffeine- and methylxanthine-containing foods, and simple analgesics were recommended for two groups. In the exercise group, an exercise program was conducted three times a week for 6 weeks. Participants in both groups were evaluated for breast pain and using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire before and six weeks after study. Serum cytokine levels were also collected and analyzed.

Results: No significant differences were detected with respect to age, body mass index, menopausal status, psychiatric condition, and existence of unexplained pain syndromes between the groups. Total breast pain scores were similar in both groups. The sensory component of breast pain questionnaire and visual analogue scale values significantly improved via exercise in only exercise group (p = 0.012 and p = 0.016). There was no significant difference between groups in serum levels of cytokines. SF-36 subscale scores for general health and social functioning significantly improved in the control group and scores for role physical, bodily pain, and social functioning improved in exercise group.

Conclusions: Based on our preliminary findings, exercise treatment is beneficial for patients with mastalgia and it can be suggested by clinicians.