Changes in Grip Strength and Associations with Grip Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors Treated with Adjuvant Chemotherapy

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to identify the change in hand grip strength (HGS) for consecutive 6 months in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (adjCTX) and to determine the factors relevant to HGS after chemotherapy completion @*Methods@#This study was a retrospective observational cohort study. BCS (N=38) who underwent breast cancer surgery and subsequent adjCTX were enrolled. The HGS of both sides was measured before adjCTX and 3 weeks, 2 months and 6 months after adjCTX. And we also collected body composition, anthropometric measurements, social demographics and clinical data. Then we analyzed the changes in HGS over time, and correlation of collected data with HGS at 6 months. @*Results@#A significant increase in HGS of the unaffected side was observed within the first 3 weeks of adjCTX and maintained up to 6 months. In correlation analysis, HGS of both sides was positively correlated with the ipsilateral HGS at 3 weeks, and contralateral HGS at 6 months. And skeletal muscle mass was also positively correlated with the HGS of the unaffected side. In addition, subjects treated with targeted therapy had lower HGS of the unaffected side. However, HGS of the affected side was significantly lower in subjects with breast reconstruction and treated without radiotherapy. @*Conclusions@#To maintain the early recovery of HGS, active and continuous exercise intervention for strengthening might be necessary.