Correlation between Postural Impairment and Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The major complication of breast cancer is secondary lymphedema seen within few days to months after the surgery. Lymphedema has a debilitating effect on posture. The significance of this study is to show the effect of lymphedema on posture. These all have a huge impact on the quality of life of patients, within her family as well as working places. This study provides a platform to assess the spinal posture which may be at risk due to lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Hence, the study is to find out correlation between spinal postural impairment and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors and to assess the correlation between demographic variables and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. The aim of the study was to study and find out the correlation between postural impairment and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. This was an observational study with the total of 116 breast cancer survivor women’s who had undergone radiotherapy and surgery were selected from Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad. Their age ranged from 35 to 60 years old. The outcome measures which were included are postural examination chart in the anterior, posterior, lateral views by plumb line, muscle length test, muscle strength test, pain assessment using visual analog scale, and lymphedema measurement using inch tape. The obtained results showed statistically high significant increase in the forward head posture, rounded shoulders, thoracic kyphosis and scoliosis, scapular dyskinesis, and increased volume of affected arm. There were high significant correlation between spinal postural impairments and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors and also correlation between demographic variables and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.