Examining of upper extremity function, spinal stability and respiratory function in women with and without lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

The aim of this study is to investigate the upper limb function, spinal stability and pulmonary function in women with and without lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Therefore, 27 women with lymphedema, 29 without lymphedema in total 56 patients and 29 healthy women were included in the study. Upper limb function of individuals were evaluated with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, pulmonary function by spirometry, spinal stability by Spinal Mouse, balance by Biodex Balance System, posture by New York Posture Rating Chart (NPRC), quality of life by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core QoL Questionnaire and Nottingham Health Profile, and the limb edema severity was evaluated with limb volume calculated by manual circumference measurement. When balance parameters were compared between groups, postural stability were worse in the lymphedema group (p<0.05); however, in terms of fall risk groups were similar (p>0.05). When pulmonary functions were evaluated, there was a difference between all groups, and lymphedema group were the most affected (p<0.05). When posture was compared, there was a difference according to NPRC between groups with and without lymphedema (p<0.05). In terms of spinal stability, women with lymphedema was worse (p<0.05). When upper extremity functions were examined, there was a difference between all groups and lymphedema group was more affected (p<0.05). When quality of life was compared, there was a difference between all groups and quality of life was worse in the group with lymphedema (p<0.05). Our study showed that posture, spinal stability, quality of life, upper extremity functions and pulmonary functions were negatively affected by lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Keywords: Lymphedema, posture, postural balance, quality of life, respiratory function test