PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of significant weakness in the affected arm of breast cancer-related lymphedema patients to their unaffected side. Another purpose was to identify factors related to arm weakness and physical function in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 80) attended a single evaluation session following their outpatient lymphedema clinic visit. Possible independent factors (i.e., lymphedema, pain, psychological, educational, and behavioral) were evaluated. Handgrip strength was used to assess upper extremity muscle strength and the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess upper extremity physical function. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using factors that had significant differences between the handgrip weakness and non-weakness groups. RESULTS: Out of the 80 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema, 29 patients (36.3 %) had significant weakness in the affected arm. Weakness of the arm with lymphedema was not related to lymphedema itself, but was related to the fear of using the affected limb (odds ratio = 1.76, 95 % confidence interval = 1.30-2.37). Fears of using the affected limb and depression significantly contributed to the variance in DASH scores. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate physical and psychological interventions, including providing accurate information and reassurance of physical activity safety, are necessary to prevent arm weakness and physical dysfunction in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of significant weakness in the affected arm of breast cancer-related lymphedemapatients to their unaffected side. Another purpose was to identify factors related to arm weakness and physical function in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 80) attended a single evaluation session following their outpatientlymphedema clinic visit. Possible independent factors (i.e., lymphedema, pain, psychological, educational, and behavioral) were evaluated. Handgrip strength was used to assess upper extremity muscle strength and the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess upper extremity physical function. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using factors that had significant differences between the handgrip weakness and non-weakness groups. RESULTS: Out of the 80 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema, 29 patients (36.3 %) had significant weakness in the affected arm. Weakness of the arm with lymphedema was not related to lymphedema itself, but was related to the fear of using the affected limb (odds ratio = 1.76, 95 % confidence interval = 1.30-2.37). Fears of using the affected limb and depression significantly contributed to the variance in DASH scores. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate physical and psychological interventions, including providing accurate information and reassurance of physical activity safety, are necessary to prevent arm weakness and physical dysfunction in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Authors: Jeroen R de Jong; Johan W S Vlaeyen; Patrick Onghena; Corine Cuypers; Marlies den Hollander; Joop Ruijgrok Journal: Pain Date: 2005-08 Impact factor: 6.961
Authors: Sandra C Hayes; Sheree Rye; Tracey Disipio; Patsy Yates; John Bashford; Chris Pyke; Christobel Saunders; Diana Battistutta; Elizabeth Eakin Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2012-11-09 Impact factor: 4.872
Authors: Wanderson Divino Nilo Dos Santos; Gabriel Dutra de Jesus Siqueira; Wagner Rodrigues Martins; Amilton Vieira; Raquel Machado Schincaglia; Paulo Gentil; Carlos Alexandre Vieira Journal: Front Oncol Date: 2019-09-26 Impact factor: 6.244