The association of breast cancer-related lymphedema after unilateral mastectomy with shoulder girdle kinematics and upper extremity function.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of breast cancer-related lymphedema on shoulder girdle kinematics and upper extremity function. The study included 67 breast cancer survivors with and without unilateral lymphedema. Individuals were divided into non-lymphedema, moderate and severe lymphedema groups according to the volumetric measurement difference between the affected and unaffected upper extremities. A three-dimensional motion monitor-electromagnetic system was used to analyze scapular movements during the elevation and depression phases of the upper extremity elevation in the scapular plane. Shoulder range of motion was assessed with a digital inclinometer. Upper extremity function was assessed with the 'Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire-Short Form (Quick-DASH)'. The scapular upward rotation was lower for the severe lymphedema group than for the non-lymphedema group in the 90-60-30° depression phases of arm elevation (p < .05). The scapular anterior tilt was higher for the severe lymphedema group than for the non-lymphedema group in the 30° depression phase of arm elevation (p < .05). Shoulder abduction range of motion was the lowest in the severe lymphedema group (p < .05). The non-lymphedema group had the lowest quick-DASH score and the severe lymphedema group had the highest score (p < .05). There were statistically significant moderate associations between the quick-DASH scores and scapular movements in all groups (p < .05). The development, presence and/or severity of lymphedema were associated with impaired shoulder-girdle kinematics and decreased upper extremity function. However, a need exists for longitudinal studies comparing individuals with and without lymphedema and healthy controls.

• Authors: Emine Baran, Taha İbrahim Yildiz, Ceren Gursen, Esra Üzelpasaci, Serap Özgül, İrem Düzgün, Türkan Akbayrak
• Journal: Journal of biomechanics (J Biomech) Vol. 121 Pg. 110432 (05 24 2021) ISSN: 1873-2380 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 33887538 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Breast Neoplasms (complications)
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphedema
• Mastectomy
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Scapula
• Shoulder
• Shoulder Joint
• Upper Extremity