Background and Objective: Impaired shoulder function after mastectomy and axillary dissection for breast carcinoma (Ca) is a well know problem. Researchers have analyzed group muscle strength of the shoulder joint and postulated that there is significant reduction of muscle strength around shoulder joint .So the following study was aimed at analyzing individual muscle strength and ROM of shoulder complex .Result of this study will help in formulating evidence based shoulder rehabilitation protocol for subjects undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Method: This experimental study was based on eleven subjects undergoing modified radical mastectomy.They were selected on basis of inclusion & exclusion criteria from the population of 30 subjects . Pre surgical reading for muscle strength and ROM were taken and compared post surgically after the removal of postop drain. Readings for muscle strength were taken by a Kendall MMT technique and ROM by a half circle metal universal goniometer. Results: Significant reduction was found in ROM & strength of shoulder complex after MRM. Most significant reduction in ROM found in abduction (67.35±29.63) & flexion (59.77±1.70). Muscle strength were found for pectoralis major (3.54±1.36) (U.F), (4.27±1.34) (L.F), pectoralis minor (3.81±1.16), serratus anterior (4.18±1.60), Latissimus dorsi (3.90±1.37), & rhomboids (2.54±1.21) respectively. Conclusion: Significant reduction in muscle strength & ROM of shoulder complex occurs after MRM. Therefore individually tailored & specifically designed rehabilitation protocol will help in improving quality of life of breast cancer subjects. 

Key words: Muscle strength; ROM; Breast Ca; Mastectomy; MRM; Shoulder dysfunction; Rehabilitation.