Advanced Clinical-Based Technologies for Monitoring Physical Function in Breast Cancer Survivors: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Technology
• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Breast cancer survivors often experience long-term physical impairments affecting quality of life.
• Existing technologies for monitoring physical function lack consolidated synthesis for clinical application.
• This gap limits the comparability and translation of technological assessments into practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map advanced clinic-based technologies used for assessing physical functions in breast cancer survivors.
• To identify technologies, their application methods, clinical settings, and outcome measures.
• To inform and enhance clinical assessment practices through a summary of current usage patterns.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science).
• Studies involving adult breast cancer survivors assessed with advanced clinic-based technologies were included.
• Data extraction and descriptive synthesis followed PRISMA guidelines, organized in Covidence.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies (N=719) published from 2017 onward were included, focusing on stages 0-III breast cancer.
• Technologies identified include balance platforms (29.4%), isokinetic dynamometry (23.5%), and range of motion tools (motion capture, digital inclinometers; 17.6%, 29.4%).
• Participant numbers ranged from 20-100, with follow-up from 1 session to 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Various advanced technologies exist for assessing balance, strength, and range of motion in breast cancer survivors.
• Heterogeneity in devices, outcomes, and study designs limits direct comparisons.
• Definitive conclusions on the superiority or clinical readiness of specific technologies cannot be drawn due to current evidence limitations.