Gait Characteristics of Women With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Upper extremity lymphedema is one of the most common problems associated with cancer treatments in breast cancer survivors. Lymphedema causes asymmetry, changes posture, decreases arm swing due to increased weight, and as a result, may affects the patients' gait. The aim of this study is to examine the gait parameters in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who are referred to the Gazi University Health Sciences Faculty Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Oncological Rehabilitation Unit to receive physiotherapy recommendations and healthy volunteers will be included in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the individuals will be recorded. Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated. Then, presence of lymphedema and lymphedema severity will be evaluated by measuring the circumference of the arms with a tape measure. Active shoulder joint movements will be evaluated with goniometer, handgrip strength with K-Force hand dynamometer, spatiotemporal parameters of gait and pelvic symmetry will be evaluated using BTS G-Walk wearable motion analysis system. Women with breast cancer related lymphedema will be compared with healthy women in terms of relevant parameters of gait. In addition, the relationship between lymphedema severity, shoulder joint movement limitation and grip strength with gait parameters in women with breast cancer and lymphedema will be analyzed.