Analysis of shoulder sensitivity, upper members' function, and quality of life in women operated by breast cancer

• Grant number: 18/26612-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Paula Rezende Camargo
• Grantee: Murilo Destro dos Santos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer therapy consists of invasive and aggressive treatments that, although they are of fundamental importance for the survival of the population, can cause bilateral shoulder hyperalgesia, pain in the affected limb, low function of the upper limbs and a negative impact on the quality of life. These changes may occur immediately after surgery and remain after the completion of all breast cancer treatments. However, it is not yet known how the behavior of these variables is in a long-term post-surgery when compared to a group of healthy individuals with no shoulder pain. Objectives: To assess pressure pain threshold over the shoulder region, intensity of pain in the affected limb, upper limb function, quality of life and the level of physical activity in a long-term post-surgery on for breast cancer. As a secondary objective, the level of physical activity will also be assessed among the participants. Methods: Twenty-five women surgically treated for breast cancer and 25 healthy women, with no shoulder pain, matched for age, body mass index and physical activity level in relation to the first group will be evaluated. A digital pressure algometer will be used to measure the pressure threshold on the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, deltoid, serratus anterior, articular pillar of the zygapophysial joint C5-C6 and on the tibialis anterior muscle. The Visual Analogue Scale (EVA) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire will be used to assess pain intensity and upper limb function, respectively. The EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) and Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-BR23) will be used to assess quality of life. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) will be used to assess participants' level of physical activity. The statistical tests will be applied according to the normality of the data and a significance level of 5% will be adopted for comparisons of the variables between groups. Expected results and clinical implication of the study: To provide information regarding to shoulder pain sensitivity, intensity of pain in the affected limb, upper limb function, quality of life and level of physical activity in long-term after breast cancer surgery. These results will contribute to clinical practice and to support future research related to rehabilitation protocols initiated in the short term in order to minimize these changes in long-term followed the surgery.