Biomechanical analysis of the impact of reconstruction and mastectomy
Study Desciption
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, with an estimated 1 in 8 affected in their lifetime. Fortunately, the breast cancer survival rate is very high when diagnosed and treated early. Many survivors experience upper limb problems after routine treatment, and these problems may be worsened by breast reconstruction.
Kinematics, or body motion, can also be negatively affected by breast cancer treatment, influencing functional abilities and secondary injury risk. Breast reconstructions may have further harmful effects on upper limb movement patterns. Improved definition of this relationship is sorely needed.
Therefore, the goal of this Canadian Institute of Health Research and Canadian Cancer Society-funded project is to define upper limb kinematics in breast cancer survivors with and without shoulder pain following one of three types of breast cancer surgical procedures (mastectomy-only and 2 types of reconstructions). We will also examine how other cancer treatment factors, like radiation or lymph node dissection, may influence kinematics, and how patient perceptions of dysfunction are related to kinematic outcomes.
Upper limb motion of breast cancer survivors will be measured with optical motion capture while they perform work-related activities (reaches and lifts) and functional (activities of daily living) tasks. Angles of the upper arm and shoulder blade will be compared among groups. Qualitative data will be collected via phone interviews to explore survivors’ perceptions of dysfunction.
Participants will receive $50 for participating.
How to Get Involved
We are looking for breast cancer survivors to take part in a study aiming at characterizing upper limb movement in functional tasks.
To be eligible to participate in this study you need to be 18-70 years of age, have had mastectomy OR reconstructive surgery for breast cancer more than 6 months ago, be able to safely participate in physical activity, and be able to come to our laboratory on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
As a participant in this study, you would be asked to complete a number of arm-focused tasks while your motion and muscle activity are measured with surface sensors. Your participation would involve 1 session of approximately 2 hours.
For more information, or to volunteer please contact:
More Information
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