Investigation of lower extremity physical fitness levels in women with operated breast cancer, according to stages

INVESTIGATION OF LOWER EXTREMITY PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH OPERATED BREAST CANCER, ACCORDING TO STAGES The aim of this study is to examine the lower extremity physical fitness levels of women with operated breast cancer according to stages. In the study, the functional capacities of 72 operated women with breast cancer between the ages of 18-65 were evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT); quadriceps muscle strength with digital dynamometer; flexibility, sit and reach test; balance was evaluated with the flamingo balance test. As a result of the study, a significant difference was detected between the four stages in terms of 6MWT total walking distance in women with operated breast cancer(p<0.05). When we interpreted at large the 6MWT results of our female cases with breast cancer, it is concluded that the cardiorespiratory fitness levels of the patients are not very good, considering the 6MWT walking distance which is lower than the literature. When compared in terms of 6MWT completion percentages, the percentage of failure to complete the test in stage 4 was observed to be higher (p = 0.001). When compared between stages in terms of muscle strength, flexibility and balance emerged similar results among themselves (p<0.05). As a result of our research, it was observed that the lower extremity physical fitness levels of women with operated breast cancer were affected. In line with this effect, it seems important to include women with breast cancer in rehabilitation programs from the early stages of diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Breast cancer; lower extremity; muscle strength; functional capacity; balance; flexibility.