{"title":"Predictors of Upper Extremity Function in Breast Cancer Survivors.","authors":"Alper Tuğral, Yeşim Bakar, Murat Akyol","doi":"10.1002/pri.70082","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Deteriorated upper extremity function is a leading cause of potential disability and functional decline in breast cancer survivors (BCS) not only during their active treatment but also in their survivorship continuum. Fatigue and decreased muscle strength are the prominent ones that can account for decreased upper extremity function. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential contributors to the upper extremity function of BCS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 100 BCS were included. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed with a dynamometer while fatigue and self-reported upper extremity function were assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), respectively. To control the potential confounding effect of the handedness, the mean value of HGS was used in the regression model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HGS was found to be significantly higher on the right side compared to the left side (22.71 ± 3.51 kg vs. 21.45 ± 3.66 kg, t = 5.328, p < 0.001). The mean scores of DASH and FSS were found 21.97 ± 15.62, and 39.62 ± 12.16, respectively. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that a total of 26.9% of the cumulative variance in DASH is explained by the mean HGS, FSS, and body mass index (BMI) (F (4,95) = 11.793, p < 0.001, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.269, Cohen's f<sup>2</sup>:0.54). There were no significant effects and/or interactions of any clinical features of BCS on DASH. FSS and DASH also significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.49, p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study showed that HGS shows itself as a significant outcome measure to predict upper extremity function in BCS. Because BCS can experience fatigue even years after the completion of primary treatment, it is noteworthy to consider it when evaluating the function of BCS.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04245657.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"30 3","pages":"e70082"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Physiotherapy Research International","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.70082","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"REHABILITATION","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and purpose: Deteriorated upper extremity function is a leading cause of potential disability and functional decline in breast cancer survivors (BCS) not only during their active treatment but also in their survivorship continuum. Fatigue and decreased muscle strength are the prominent ones that can account for decreased upper extremity function. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential contributors to the upper extremity function of BCS.
Methods: A total of 100 BCS were included. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed with a dynamometer while fatigue and self-reported upper extremity function were assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), respectively. To control the potential confounding effect of the handedness, the mean value of HGS was used in the regression model.
Results: HGS was found to be significantly higher on the right side compared to the left side (22.71 ± 3.51 kg vs. 21.45 ± 3.66 kg, t = 5.328, p < 0.001). The mean scores of DASH and FSS were found 21.97 ± 15.62, and 39.62 ± 12.16, respectively. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that a total of 26.9% of the cumulative variance in DASH is explained by the mean HGS, FSS, and body mass index (BMI) (F (4,95) = 11.793, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.269, Cohen's f2:0.54). There were no significant effects and/or interactions of any clinical features of BCS on DASH. FSS and DASH also significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.49, p < 0.001).
Discussion: This study showed that HGS shows itself as a significant outcome measure to predict upper extremity function in BCS. Because BCS can experience fatigue even years after the completion of primary treatment, it is noteworthy to consider it when evaluating the function of BCS.
期刊介绍:
Physiotherapy Research International is an international peer reviewed journal dedicated to the exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to specialist areas of physiotherapy theory, practice, and research. Our aim is to promote a high level of scholarship and build on the current evidence base to inform the advancement of the physiotherapy profession. We publish original research on a wide range of topics e.g. Primary research testing new physiotherapy treatments; methodological research; measurement and outcome research and qualitative research of interest to researchers, clinicians and educators. Further, we aim to publish high quality papers that represent the range of cultures and settings where physiotherapy services are delivered. We attract a wide readership from physiotherapists and others working in diverse clinical and academic settings. We aim to promote an international debate amongst the profession about current best evidence based practice. Papers are directed primarily towards the physiotherapy profession, but can be relevant to a wide range of professional groups. The growth of interdisciplinary research is also key to our aims and scope, and we encourage relevant submissions from other professional groups. The journal actively encourages submissions which utilise a breadth of different methodologies and research designs to facilitate addressing key questions related to the physiotherapy practice. PRI seeks to encourage good quality topical debates on a range of relevant issues and promote critical reflection on decision making and implementation of physiotherapy interventions.