The impact of hand grip strength on quality of life, fatigue, physical performance, and functional capacity in patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES: Lymphedema, which may develop following mastectomy due to breast cancer, can negatively affect hand grip strength in women. This study aims to determine the effects of lymphedema on hand grip strength and quality of life (QoL) and to identify the factors influencing QoL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study involving 100 patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) was used to assess QoL, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-20) was utilized to evaluate fatigue. Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the hand grip strength measurements of the affected and non-affected upper extremities (p<0.001). Hand grip strength on the affected side was significantly correlated with both the functional subscales of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and the CIS-20 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study objectively evaluated the impact of lymphedema on hand grip strength based on evidence. Assessing QoL, fatigue, and functional status also provided a comprehensive and objective understanding of the multifaceted effects of lymphedema. This study was not registered as a clinical trial.