The Effects of Upper Extremity Lymphedema on Posture, Upper Extremity Functions, and Quality of Life

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 volunteers (27Female) 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). The hypotheses of our study: Hypothesis 0 (H0): There is no relationship between upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in patients with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment. Hypothesis 1 (H1): There is a relationship between upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in patients with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer treatment.