The Effects of Upper Extremity Lymphedema on Posture, Upper Extremity Functions, and Quality of Life
Condition: Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema; Breast Cancer-Related Arm Lymphedema
MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms; Lymphedema; Breast Cancer Lymphedema
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      This study aims to examine the effects of lymphedema extremity on upper extremity function,
      posture and quality of life in patients who develop upper extremity lymphedema after
      unilateral breast cancer. Twenty-seven volunteers (27Female) diagnosed with upper extremity
      lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment by a specialist physician between May
      2022 and October 2022 were included in the study. Upper extremity circumference measurements
      of the individuals were performed on the healthy and affected sides. A goniometer measured
      both sides' upper extremity range of motion (ROM). The New York Posture Analysis (NYPA) was
      used for posture evaluation. Upper extremity functions were assessed by the Disabilities of
      the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and the Lymphedema Functionality, Disability
      and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF). Quality of life was assessed by Upper Extremity
      Lymphedema-27 (ULL-27) and Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema -Arm (LYMQOL- Arm).
    

Detailed description: 
      This study aims to examine the effects of lymphedema extremity on upper extremity function,
      posture and quality of life in patients who develop upper extremity lymphedema after
      unilateral breast cancer. Twenty-seven volunteers (27Female) diagnosed with upper extremity
      lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment by a specialist physician between May
      2022 and October 2022 were included in the study. Upper extremity circumference measurements
      of the individuals were performed on the healthy and affected sides. A goniometer measured
      both sides' upper extremity range of motion (ROM). The New York Posture Analysis (NYPA) was
      used for posture evaluation. Upper extremity functions were assessed by the Disabilities of
      the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and the Lymphedema Functionality, Disability
      and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF). Quality of life was assessed by Upper Extremity
      Lymphedema-27 (ULL-27) and Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema -Arm (LYMQOL- Arm).

      The hypotheses of our study:

      Hypothesis 0 (H0):

      There is no relationship between upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in
      patients with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment.

      Hypothesis 1 (H1):

      There is a relationship between upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in
      patients with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment.
    

Observational model: Case-Only
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        The sample of the study consists of patients who applied to Istanbul Dr Nazif Bağrıaçık
        Kadıköy Hospital in Istanbul between May 2022 and October 2022 and were diagnosed with
        upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer by the doctor.