Abstract
Background
: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) usually experience musculoskeletal pain and strength
imbalance between surgical and non-surgical sites.
Material and methods
: This study aimed to assess the effect of handedness and surgical site on pain tolerance
and upper extremity strength in BCS. A total of 96 female BCS (Mean age and BMI: 51.06±9.36
years and 27.77±3.75 kg/m2) were included in this study. BCS were categorized as “DoS” or “NoS” whether they
had surgery on their dominant or non-dominant site, respectively. Socio-demographic
data, upper extremity strength, pain tolerance, and pain-related function measurements
were performed by simple form, manual muscle tester, pain algometer, and Disabilities
of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand's (DASH) pain subscale, respectively.
Results
: Pain tolerances were significantly lower in upper trapezius muscle region in the
surgical site (t=-4,263, p<0.001 and t= -2,138, p=0.037) while in the deltoid tuberosity,
pain tolerance was significantly higher in surgical site (t=2,633, p= 0.011). Mean
differences in strength in shoulder flexion and abduction were significantly lower
in the DoS group compared to the NoS group (z= -3.166, p=0.002 and z=-2.131, p=0.033,
respectively), whereas the pain subscale was significantly higher in the DoS (p=0.013).
Conclusion
: Pain tolerance decreased in the upper trapezius muscle region on the surgical site
irrespective of the handedness. However, in deltoid tuberosity, the effect of handedness
was remarkable. Exercise programs should focus to establish a strength balance in
non-dominant surgery BCS since strength imbalance might be more prominent to affect
them to take part in activities in daily living.
Micro Abstract
: Diminished strength and altered musculoskeletal pain characteristics are well-known
consequences of breast cancer treatment. This study aimed to assess myofascial pain
and strength in breast cancer survivors (BCS). A total of 96 BCS were included. A
Strength imbalance was prominent in BCS who underwent surgery in their non-dominant
site, while the pain tolerance was significantly lower in the surgical site.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
August 3,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 1,
2022
Received:
June 27,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
