Lymphedema Severity on Shoulder Joint Function and Muscle Activation Patterns in Breast Cancer Survivors

Ahram Canadian University75 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Female

Interventions

Lymphedema severity stratificationOTHER

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

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University

Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Shoulder joint mobility

shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and extension range of motion measured using a digital inclinometer.

Time frame: baseline

Muscle activation patterns (Amplitude)

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)

Time frame: baseline

Muscle activation patterns (Timing)

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).

Time frame: baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Shoulder flexors strength

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.

Time frame: baseline

Shoulder abductor strength

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.

Time frame: baseline

Self-reported upper extremity function

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.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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