Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Female
Conditions
Brief summary
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication affecting the upper extremity following breast cancer treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship between lymphedema severity and shoulder joint function and muscle activation patterns in breast cancer survivors.
Interventions
OTHERLymphedema severity stratification
Participants will be stratified into one of three lymphedema severity groups based on the International Society of Lymphology lymphedema severity staging: Mild (stage 1): swelling with pitting; normal skin and tissue turgor Moderate (stage 2): swelling with pitting; dermal thickening; skin changes without distortional warty-overgrowth Severe (stage 3): swelling with non-pitting; warty overgrowth or elephantiasis folds
Sponsors
Ahram Canadian University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Female * Adults (18 years or older) * Diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema for a minimum of 3 months * No current evidence of active cancer * Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions affecting the upper extremities (e.g. adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear) * Previous upper extremity surgery * Physical inability to perform the required physical movements and assessments
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder joint mobility | baseline | shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and extension range of motion measured using a digital inclinometer. |
| Muscle activation patterns (Amplitude) | baseline | Surface EMG recording of muscle activation patterns (amplitude) of the biceps brachii, anterior/middle/posterior deltoid, pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi during shoulder elevation. Amplitude will be reported in units of microvolts (µV) |
| Muscle activation patterns (Timing) | baseline | Surface EMG recording of muscle activation patterns (timing) of the biceps brachii, anterior/middle/posterior deltoid, pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi during shoulder elevation. Timing will be reported in units of milliseconds (ms). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder flexors strength | baseline | Maximal shoulder flexor abductor strength measured as force production (N) using a handheld dynamometer. The average of 3 trials for each muscle group will be calculated. |
| Shoulder abductor strength | baseline | Maximal shoulder abductor strength measured as force production (N) using a handheld dynamometer. The average of 3 trials for each muscle group will be calculated. |
| Self-reported upper extremity function | baseline | The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, developed by the Institute for Work and Health, is used to measure patient-reported functional outcomes. The DASH questionnaire consists of 30 questions regarding limitations to complete physical activities due to upper extremity pain/impairment. Participants will be asked to respond to each question based on their experiences over the preceding week according to a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (unable to do). Responses will be scored out of 5 and averaged to produce a score out of 100 with higher scores representing greater disability. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed