Factors Affecting Functionality in Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer type in women globally. In conjunction with the new developments, breast cancer survival has increased therefore the management of long-term complications has gained importance. Breast cancer survivors can face the loss of muscle strength, increased fatigue and diminished physical function associated with treatment-related long term effects and psychological affection and thereby reduced quality of life. Upper extremity lymphedema or breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most prominent long term complications which affects breast cancer survivors in many ways after breast cancer surgery. It has been reported that breast cancer survivors with BCRL have the lower muscle strength and more activity limitations when compared to the ones free of BCRL. In BCRL, affected extremity has been found to 36% more weaker when compared to the unaffected side. Fatigue is one of the most prominent symptoms when considering cancer-related symptoms in cancer survivors. It has been stated that increased fatigue is correlated with increased activity limitation and deterioration in physical function. The hand-grip test which is frequently used in the assessment of decreased muscle function has been stated as a reliable and repeatable test in breast cancer survivors. In addition, this test is frequently applicable to assess mortality, physical and functional capacity, symptoms after surgery and to designate an exercise program. There are studies that investigate upper extremity function associated with hang-grip strength in breast cancer survivors. Yet, there is a lack of the objective result or conclusion of the BCRL effect on upper extremity function which is assessed with hang-grip strength when compared without BCRL. Therefore, this study is planned to investigate of cumulative effects of factors such as lymphedema severity, age, fatigue, body mass index, muscle strength, physical activity level, pain level, exercise benefits/barriers scale score on hand-grip strength related upper extremity functionality in breast cancer survivors.

Investigation of the Factors of Hand-Grip Strength-related Upper Extremity Functionality in Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer type in women globally. In the United States, there are almost 3 million breast cancer cases and this number gradually increasing in recent years. In conjunction with the new developments, breast cancer survival has increased therefore the management of long-term complications has gained importance. Breast cancer survivors can face the loss of muscle strength, increased fatigue and diminished physical function associated with treatment-related long term effects and psychological affection and thereby reduced quality of life. In addition to the reduced quality of life, breast cancer survivors experience reduced and altered upper extremity function. The Data not only reported by breast cancer survivors but also derived by objective assessment tools state that the high prevalence of disrupted upper extremity function. Studies reported that the deterioration of shoulder function and reduced strength and flexibility in the range of between 16% to 43%, however, these parameters followed a stabile pattern within a year while some parameters which are assessed relatively in short periods were found in higher prevalence. In addition to these, reduced mobility of head and neck, perceived fatigue, reduced upper extremity strength are factors that induce functional limitations in breast cancer survivors.

Upper extremity lymphedema or breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most prominent long term complications which affects breast cancer survivors in many ways after breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema is characterized by the inability of the function of the lymphatic system which can result in the accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in interstitial spaces in addition to skin changes in related body regions and extremities. Untreated lymphedema causes chronic inflammation, cellulitis, pain, fatigue, cosmetic deformity, restriction in mobility and related problems and therefore ineffective usage of the extremity concerning diminished functionality has occurred. It is known that the esthetical concern and emotional stress manifested by lymphedema cause deterioration in physical function. The heaviness feeling, fibrosis and skin infections caused by lymphedema not only can increase psychological stress but also induce musculoskeletal complications in the long term. It has been reported that breast cancer survivors with BCRL have the lower muscle strength and more activity limitations when compared to the ones free of BCRL. In BCRL, affected extremity has been found to 36% more weaker when compared to the unaffected side. Through augmented severity and stage of lymphedema, reduced physical functions are taken place in the clinical condition. Patients without BCRL can increase their cumulative musculoskeletal problems by avoiding physical activity and exercise due to misguidance and fear of lymphedema while the ones with BCRL have to fear the increased severity of lymphedema by doing so. Lymphedema can bring with problems such as reduced physical activity and weight gain thereby constitution of the basis of functional limitations is settled.

Increased fat mass and body mass index are reported in the range of 50% to %96 in breast cancer survivors. Optimal upper extremity function is important for maintaining an independent daily life and day routines and to perform works that need physical strength in terms of the general quality of life. However, affecting factors and incidence of their impact on upper extremity function in the aspect of physical, functional and psychological are still have been the research issue. The literature reports that the frequently reduced muscle strength due to cancer-related symptoms along with the altered motor control in shoulder and neck musculature. Fatigue is one of the most prominent symptoms when considering cancer-related symptoms in cancer survivors. It has been stated that increased fatigue is correlated with increased activity limitation and deterioration in physical function. The hand-grip test which is frequently used in the assessment of decreased muscle function has been stated as a reliable and repeatable test in breast cancer survivors. Besides, this test is frequently applicable to assess mortality, physical and functional capacity, symptoms after surgery and to designate an exercise program.

Some studies investigate upper extremity function associated with handgrip strength in breast cancer survivors. Yet, there is a lack of the objective result or conclusion of the BCRL effect on upper extremity function which is assessed with hang-grip strength when compared without BCRL. Therefore, this study is planned to investigate of cumulative effects of factors such as lymphedema severity, age, fatigue, body mass index, muscle strength, physical activity level, pain level, exercise benefits/barriers scale score on hand-grip strength related upper extremity functionality in breast cancer survivors.

The primary purpose of this study:

This study is planned to investigate of cumulative effects of factors such as lymphedema severity, age, fatigue, body mass index, muscle strength, physical activity level, pain level, exercise benefits/barriers scale score on hand-grip strength related upper extremity functionality in breast cancer survivors.

Secondary aim:

Which of the aforementioned parameters has the most prominent effect on hand-grip strength related upper extremity functionality in breast cancer survivors

Primary endpoint:

Having reached to a targeted number of breast cancer survivors compatible with the incl/excl criteria of this study

Secondary endpoint:

According to the pilot test result, elimination of parameters that are not significant in the statistical model will be excluded and power analysis will be re-performed. If the current number of the targeted population has been achieved (by achieving at least 80% power, 95% CI), then the study will be finished to save time and resources.

Center: Single-center study

Time range: December 2019- October 2020

Methods:

109 women aged between 25 and 65 years who had unilateral breast cancer surgery will be included in this study (Sample size was determined according to the 0.15 effect size, 80% power, and 95% confidence interval). Within the context of this study, an evaluation form that assesses demographic information (Both patient and clinical demographics such as Name, age, contact information and/or body mass index, time spent after surgery, surgery type, etc) will be requested to fill. Within this form, having lymphedema (yes/no), drug use (especially tamoxifen, yes/no), pain assessment (via visual analog scale), adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, yes/no, number of sessions, etc) and shoulder range of motion assessment via goniometer will be evaluated and recorded to the assessment form.

Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurement:

Sub-tissue fluid proportion will be evaluated via Moisture Meter D (Delfin Technologies, Kuopio, Finland) on both upper extremity (right and left) in predefined reference points on volar side (6 cm distal and 8 cm proximal points from cubital crease, 10 cm inferior side point from axilla and dorsal point of web space in the hand) by using four different probes which can assess 0.5 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm depth. Values taken by 2.5 mm depth probe will be used to calculate the ratio (affected side TDC value/Unaffected side TDC value) to stage lymphedema severity along with the International Society of Lymphology staging system.

Muscle strength Participants' muscle strength of shoulder flexion, abduction, and elbow flexion will be assessed via Handheld digital dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester, Model 01165, LaFayette Instruments, NY, USA). Both upper extremities will be assessed three times and the average value will be recorded.

Hand-Grip Strength Handgrip strength will be assessed with LaFayette Professional Hand Dynamometer, Model 5030L1, LaFayette Instruments, NY, USA). The standard position which can be achieved by 90-degree elbow flexion, shoulder abducted, and hand mid-prone positioned; 90-degree shoulder abduction and 90-degree shoulder abduction positions will be used to assess hang-grip strength. Three measurements will be requested and the maximum value of them will be recorded.

Pain Threshold Measurement The sensitive pain threshold and normal pain threshold will be evaluated by a digital algometer (Wagner FDIX, Greenwich, USA) on reference points as follows: C5-C6 zygapophyseal joints' lateral points, upper trapezius (proximal, middle and distal lateral points, length measured by a tape from C7 Processus spinosus to acromion and this length will be divided equally into three parts for proximal, middle and distal lateral point), deltoid muscle (deltoid tuberosity), dorsum of the webspace. Measurements will te took both for right and left upper extremity. Units will be recorded as kgf.

Scales and Forms There will be scales and form which are required to fill out by participants. The following list of scales will be filled with participants themselves.

International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF):

This scale was intended to be filled to assess participants' physical activity levels within the last seven days. Then, MET calculations will be done via a basic Excel Spreadsheet which is pre-defined MET values formulated inside. Scale data then obtained according to the participants' answers and recorded.

Fatigue Impact Scale:

This scale has 9 items that can be answered as "Strongly Disagree" through "Strongly Agree" by numbered as 1 and 7, respectively. Then total points will be calculated and divided into 9 to achieve the Fatigue Impact Scale score. The higher points will be indicated more perceived fatigue, while lower points indicate less.

Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scale (DASH):

DASH has 30 items related to upper extremity function. Participants will be requested to grade some expressions related to the function within a 5-point Likert scale as follows: "No difficulty: 1, Mild Difficulty:2, Moderate Difficulty: 3, Severe Difficulty: 4 and Unable to perform: 5). The symptom score of the DASH will be calculated as dividing filled items total score to filled items' number and minus one from this data then multiplying with 25. The higher points indicate a deteriorated shoulder and hand function while lower points indicate a better upper extremity function.

Exercise Benefits/ Barriers Scale Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale has 43 items each can be graded within a four-point Likert type scale. Barrier items are reverse coded. 43 items are all related to exercise and exercise beliefs in both in the aspect of health and general. Strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree will be scored as 1,2,3,4 or vice versa whether the item should de reversely coded, respectively. Total scores ranged between 29 and 172. The barrier scale score is ranged between 14 and 56. The benefits scale is also ranged between 29 and 116. The higher the score of Barriers scale, the greater the perception of barriers to exercise.

Beck Depression Scale

Beck Depression Scale has 21 items each can be scored within 0 to 3. All items are related to the depressive mood of a participant. The higher the score of the Beck Depression Scale, the higher the depression level.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being aged between 25 and 65 years old
* Having the ability to read and write in the Turkish language
* Having unilateral (right or left) breast cancer surgery history
* Being a woman
* Finished adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy prior to participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active infection
* Active/recurrent malignity
* Having orthopedic and/or neurological defect
* Having an advanced postural deficiency
* Having nerve injury (Ulnar, median, radial nerve)
* Having a loss of sensory
* Bilateral (both side) breast cancer surgery
* Having mental and cognitive problems which can interfere to participate
* Serious range of movement restriction in shoulder, elbow and/or wrist joints
* Having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Having reflex denervation and abnormal neural findings