Muscle Oxygenation and Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
Upper Extremity Muscle Oxygenation Dynamics and Functional Performance in Breast Cancer Survivors
Persistent impairments in upper extremity function are well documented among breast cancer survivors even after completion of cancer treatment. These impairments are frequently attributed to fatigue and other treatment-related complications. Upper extremity function in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery may be affected by multiple factors, including surgical tissue trauma, axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiation-induced fibrosis, pain, restricted shoulder range of motion, loss of muscle strength, and lymphedema. Muscle oxygenation may also be impaired through various mechanisms following breast cancer surgery and is considered one of the important microvascular mechanisms potentially underlying upper extremity functional impairments. However, muscle oxygenation has not been sufficiently investigated in this population. Existing studies have predominantly focused on lower extremity muscles, whereas changes in upper extremity muscle oxygenation have yet to be adequately investigated. This gap in the literature may limit the development and targeted implementation of appropriate exercise interventions and the identification of optimal exercise modalities aimed at improving upper extremity function in daily life, enhancing independence, facilitating participation in social and occupational activities, and ultimately improving quality of life among breast cancer survivors.
In this project, the investigators aim to investigate the relationship between tissue-level muscle oxygenation parameters and clinical measures of upper extremity function, including muscle strength, upper extremity functional capacity, and the score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire-Quick Version (QuickDASH). By examining these associations, the investigators intend to contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying functional impairments in breast cancer survivors and to provide a basis for the development of more effective and targeted rehabilitation protocols, including interventions designed to enhance microcirculation and aerobic exercise capacity.
Breast cancer survivors followed at the Breast Clinic of the Department of General Surgery at Pamukkale University and healthy individuals will be included in two study groups. Upper extremity muscle oxygenation and functional performance will be assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the six-minute pegboard and ring test, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire-Quick Version (QuickDASH).
By comparing upper extremity muscle oxygenation and functional performance between breast cancer survivors and healthy individuals, the findings of this project are expected to provide a better understanding of the muscle characteristics underlying upper extremity functional impairments in breast cancer survivors. These findings may contribute to the development and refinement of exercise interventions within rehabilitation programs and highlight the importance of selecting appropriate exercise modalities to improve upper extremity function in this population.
Tutkimuksen yleiskatsaus
Tila
Opintotyyppi
Ilmoittautuminen (Arvioitu)
Yhteystiedot ja paikat
Opiskeluyhteys
- Nimi: Atiye KAŞ ÖZDEMİR, Lecturer PhD
- Puhelinnumero: +905364720293
- Sähköposti: akas@pau.edu.tr
Osallistumiskriteerit
Kelpoisuusvaatimukset
Opintokelpoiset iät
- Aikuinen
- Vanhempi Aikuinen
Hyväksyy terveitä vapaaehtoisia
Näytteenottomenetelmä
Tutkimusväestö
Kuvaus
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals diagnosed with stage 1, 2, or 3 unilateral breast cancer
- who completed breast cancer treatment at least 6 months ago
- whose clinical condition is stable
Exclusion Criteria:
- having an upper extremity disability or musculoskeletal disorder that could affect physical performance
- having undergone bilateral breast surgery
- development of recurrence or metastasis
- uncontrolled chronic cardiopulmonary diseases (hypertension, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, COPD, asthma, etc.), uncontrolled chronic conditions such as diabetes or neuromotor disorders, anemia, smoking, or cognitive impairment
- having participated in a regular exercise program within the last 6 months
Opintosuunnitelma
Miten tutkimus on suunniteltu?
Suunnittelun yksityiskohdat
Kohortit ja interventiot
Ryhmä/Kohortti |
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Breast cancer survivors
At least 40 cases of patients aged 18 and older who met the inclusion criteria, who had undergone breast surgery (at least 6 months to a maximum of 15 years had passed since mastectomy and curative treatment), and who were being followed up at the General Surgery Breast Clinic of Pamukkale University
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Healthy individuals
At least 40 healthy individuals who are undergoing routine follow-up at the General Surgery Breast Clinic of Pamukkale University, have no history of cancer, and meet the criteria for inclusion in the control group
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Mitä tutkimuksessa mitataan?
Ensisijaiset tulostoimenpiteet
Tulosmittaus |
Toimenpiteen kuvaus |
Aikaikkuna |
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Muscle oxygenation will be assessed a noninvasive technique, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS can measure local muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) in the capillary bed of the underlying muscle tissue.
Aikaikkuna: october 2026 to august 2027
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The NIRS sensor will be secured using a fiber-elastic band over the midline of the lateral deltoid muscle, immediately inferior to the acromion.
Physiological variables, including the minimum, maximum, and change values of muscle oxygen saturation, will be recorded at rest and during and after the Six-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test.
Muscle oxygenation will be expressed as the percentage of oxyhemoglobin relative to the sum of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin.
Bilateral musce oxygenation of the middle portion of the deltoid muscle will be assessed before, during, and after the test.
During exercise, an inability to adequately meet the increased oxygen demand of the working muscle may result in reduced SmO₂ levels.
SmO₂ is influenced by shifts in the hemoglobin dissociation curve as well as by other chemical and neural factors.
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october 2026 to august 2027
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Toissijaiset tulostoimenpiteet
Tulosmittaus |
Toimenpiteen kuvaus |
Aikaikkuna |
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upper extremity muscle strength
Aikaikkuna: october 2026 to august 2027
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The strength of the middle and anterior portions of the deltoid muscle will be assessed using a hand-held dynamometer.
The test will be performed with the participant in an unsupported sitting position, with the shoulder positioned at 90° of abduction and 90° of flexion, in neutral rotation, and with the elbow fully extended.
Resistance will be applied using the dynamometer over the distal humerus, and the participant will be instructed to attempt to elevate the arm with maximal force.
Three measurements will be obtained, and the highest value will be recorded in Newtons (N).
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october 2026 to august 2027
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Muut tulostoimenpiteet
Tulosmittaus |
Toimenpiteen kuvaus |
Aikaikkuna |
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Functional performance of upper extremity
Aikaikkuna: october 2026 to august 2027
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Upper extremity functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test.
Participants will sit on an adjustable chair in front of a pegboard consisting of two lower horizontal bars positioned at shoulder height and shoulder width, one on the right and one on the left, and two upper bars positioned 20 cm above the lower bars.
Each upper bar will contain 10 rings.
Participants will be instructed to transfer the rings from the lower bars to the upper bars and then back to the lower bars as quickly as possible, using both arms simultaneously.
If a participant requires rest, they will be permitted to rest while the test duration continues, with instructions to resume the test as soon as possible.
The number of rings transferred during the 6-minute test will be recorded.
Two rings removed and placed simultaneously will be counted as two rings.Blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation will be recorded before and immediately after the test.
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october 2026 to august 2027
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upper extremity disability
Aikaikkuna: october 2026 to august 2027
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Upper extremity disability will be assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire-Quick Version (QuickDASH). The Turkish version of the QuickDASH, which has been demonstrated to be valid and reliable, will be used. The QuickDASH consists of 11 items, with each item scored on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 to 5 (1 = no difficulty, 2 = mild difficulty, 3 = moderate difficulty, 4 = severe difficulty, and 5 = unable to perform). The questionnaire assesses pain severity, activity-related pain, tingling, weakness, stiffness, difficulty performing physical activities due to upper extremity problems, and the impact of upper extremity problems on social activities, work, and sleep. The QuickDASH score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability (0 = no disability; 100 = maximum disability). A score of ≥20 indicates clinically significant functional impairment. |
october 2026 to august 2027
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Yhteistyökumppanit ja tutkijat
Sponsori
Tutkijat
- Päätutkija: Atiye KAŞ ÖZDEMİR, Lecturer, PhD., Pamukkale University
- Opintojen puheenjohtaja: Sevda YILMAZ, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Pamukkale University
- Opintojen puheenjohtaja: Orçin TELLİ ATALAY, Prof. Dr., Pamukkale University
Opintojen ennätyspäivät
Opi tärkeimmät päivämäärät
Opiskelun aloitus (Arvioitu)
Ensisijainen valmistuminen (Arvioitu)
Opintojen valmistuminen (Arvioitu)
Opintoihin ilmoittautumispäivät
Ensimmäinen lähetetty
Ensimmäinen toimitettu, joka täytti QC-kriteerit
Ensimmäinen Lähetetty (Todellinen)
Tutkimustietojen päivitykset
Viimeisin päivitys julkaistu (Todellinen)
Viimeisin lähetetty päivitys, joka täytti QC-kriteerit
Viimeksi vahvistettu
Lisää tietoa
Tähän tutkimukseen liittyvät termit
Avainsanat
Muut tutkimustunnusnumerot
- 2026TAP034 (Muu apuraha/rahoitusnumero: Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Department)
Yksittäisten osallistujien tietojen suunnitelma (IPD)
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IPD-suunnitelman kuvaus
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