Decreased upper limb function and low level of physical activity following treatment for breast cancer - A case-control study

Authors

  • Ivana Leao Ribeiro Universidad Católica del Maule http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0317-4597
  • Cecilia Rivera Mañán Universidad Católica del Maule
  • Fabián García Sepúlveda Universidad Católica del Maule
  • Miguel Fuentealba Naranjo Universidad Católica del Maule
  • Nicolás Yáñez Benavides Subdepartamento de Oncología - Hospital Clínico Regional Valdivia, Unidad de Oncología
  • Francisco Ortega Gonzales Hospital Regional de Talca
  • Karol Lilia Ramirez-Parada Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Luz Alejandra Lorca Hospital del Salvador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v44i0.90594

Keywords:

Breast cancer, range of motion, fatigue, physical activity level.

Abstract

This study aim to compare upper limb functionality, fatigue and physical activity level in women after breast cancer surgery in relation to a control group. Upper limb functionality was evaluated by mean of shoulder range of motion (ROM) of flexion, abduction and external rotation using a digital inclinometer; handgrip strength using a dynamometer and upper limb disability with the Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed with the Brief Fatigue Inventory and physical activity level with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A thirty-four women (n=17, post-operated breast surgery group, PO; n=17, control group, CG) were recruited. PO group presented a decrease in both shoulder ROM and handgrip strength (range difference: 22.9°-22,9°; 5.6kgF, respectively) compared to CG; the affected side of the PO group presented with less shoulder ROM in comparison to the non-affected side (15°-21°). There was also greater disability on the affected side and a lower physical activity level in the PO group. There were no differences in the fatigue between the groups. We concluded that PO group presented with compromised functionality and low physical activity level compared to a control group.

Author Biographies

  • Ivana Leao Ribeiro, Universidad Católica del Maule

    FT, Doctora en Fisioterapia

    Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

  • Cecilia Rivera Mañán, Universidad Católica del Maule

    Kinesióloga

    Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

  • Fabián García Sepúlveda, Universidad Católica del Maule

    Kinesiólogo

    Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

  • Miguel Fuentealba Naranjo, Universidad Católica del Maule

    Kinesiólogo

    Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

  • Nicolás Yáñez Benavides, Subdepartamento de Oncología - Hospital Clínico Regional Valdivia, Unidad de Oncología

    Médico Oncólogo

    Subdepartamento de Oncología - Hospital Clínico Regional Valdivia, Unidad de Oncología - Clinica Alemana Valdivia

  • Francisco Ortega Gonzales, Hospital Regional de Talca

    Médico Oncólogo

    Centro de Oncología y radioterapia HRT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

  • Karol Lilia Ramirez-Parada, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

    Kinesióloga, MSc

    Carrera de Kinesiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

  • Luz Alejandra Lorca, Hospital del Salvador

    Kinesióloga, MSC

    Hospital del Salvador, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Oriente, Santiago de Chile

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Published

01-04-2022

Issue

Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Leao Ribeiro, I., Rivera Mañán, C., García Sepúlveda, F., Fuentealba Naranjo, M., Yáñez Benavides, N., Ortega Gonzales, F., Ramirez-Parada, K. L., & Lorca, L. A. (2022). Decreased upper limb function and low level of physical activity following treatment for breast cancer - A case-control study. Retos, 44, 302-308. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v44i0.90594