Characterization of Physical Activity Levels in Female Breast Cancer Survivors: Relationship With Lymphedema...

The development of lymphedema (LE) is a major concern in breast cancer treatment, and it is crucial to understand the best ways to prevent and treat it. Physical activity has shown to be effective, safe, and feasible in controlling complications arising from treatments, as well as improving function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity with grip strength and LE development in breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted and women who had survived breast cancer between 1 and 5 years after surgery were selected. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, the volume of upper limb (UL) was measured by perimetry, handgrip strength was assessed with the JAMAR dynamometer, and the Actigraph accelerometer was placed on the waist. It was found that 50% of the sample was overweight, 28.3% were obese, and 52% of the participants had grip strength below the recommended level. They had an average energy expenditure of 1.2 (0.1) metabolic equivalents, 8.3 (1.8) hours/day of sedentary activity, and spent an average of 61% of their awake time in sedentary activity per day. Significant correlations were found between grip strength on the affected side and the difference in volume between the UL (rp = -.303, P = .041) as well as between body mass index (BMI) and the difference in volume between the UL (rp = .341; P = .020). Moreover, a significant correlation between BMI and the volume of the affected UL was found (rp = .848, P = .000). BMI and grip strength of the affected side were identified as significant predictors of LE, both with P values less than .05. Although physical activity cannot directly prevent LE, it may contribute by helping to control BMI and promote higher levels of grip strength, both of which are important factors in the prediction of LE.