The effects of extremity with lymphedema on posture, upper extremity functions, and quality of life in patients with lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer

This study aims to examine the effects of lymphedema extremity on upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in patients who develop upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer. Twenty-seven women volunteers (27F; 46.65 ± 3.44 years) diagnosed with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment by a specialist physician between May 2022 and October 2022 were included in the study. Upper extremity circumference measurements of the individuals were performed on the healthy and affected sides. A goniometer measured both sides' upper extremity range of motion (ROM). The New York Posture Analysis (NYPA) was used for posture evaluation. Upper extremity functions were assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and the Lymphedema Functionality, Disability and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF). Quality of life was assessed by Upper Extremity Lymphedema-27 (ULL-27) and Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema –Arm (LYMQOL- Arm). As a result of the study showed a significant positive correlation between the DASH and Lymph-ICF, ULL-27, and LYMQOL- Arm (r=.618, r=.637, r=.529, p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between Lymph-ICF and ULL-27, and LYMQOL-Arm (r=.651, r=.867, p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between ULL-27 and LYMQOL-Arm(r=.557, p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between posture and upper extremity functions (DASH, Lymph-ICF) and quality of life (ULL-27, LYMQOL-Arm) (r=-.205, r=-.087, r=-.238, r=-.122, p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between Lymph-ICF physical and mental, mobility, and life and social activities components (r=.657, r=.632, r=.809, p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between ULL-27 social, physical, and psychological components(r=.519, r=.576, p<0.05). Also, there was a negative and significant correlation between the LYMQOL-Arm total and the overall quality of life component scores (r=-.448, p<0.05). As a result, this study showed that upper extremity functions and quality of life were affected, but posture was not, in patients who developed upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer.