Association between hand grip strength and impaired health-related quality of life in Korean cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study

Factors associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling breast cancer survivors aged 50 years or older

Although increased sedentary behavior is associated with poor health outcomes among breast cancer survivors, the factors associated with high sedentary time in community-dwelling breast cancer survivors are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors associated with sedentary behavior in Korean community-dwelling breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 50 years. We included 205 breast cancer survivors from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Total daily sedentary time was evaluated using questions from the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used complex-sample multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to analyze the associations between sociodemographic factors, medical factors, and health-related quality of life and high sedentary time (≥ 420 min/day). Among the Korean community-dwelling breast cancer survivors, 48.2% had a high daily sedentary time. Insufficient aerobic exercise (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.12-4.69), diabetes (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.22-9.33), and unemployed status (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.05-5.02) were independently associated with high sedentary time after the adjustment for multiple sociodemographic and medical confounders. Participants with a low sedentary time (< 420 min/day) showed a significantly higher mean European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) index than those with a high sedentary time after adjusting for multiple confounders (0.89 ± 0.03 vs. 0.82 ± 0.04; P = 0.001). Among the EQ-5D dimensions, problems in mobility (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.42-7.98) and pain/discomfort (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.24-5.63) dimensions showed positive associations with high sedentary time. Middle- or older-aged breast cancer survivors with insufficient aerobic exercise, diabetes, unemployed status, and impaired quality of life are more likely to have a high sedentary time. Reducing sedentary behavior in this population requires a tailored approach that considers diverse sociodemographic, medical, and quality-of-life factors.

Relative handgrip strength as a vitality measure in US stroke survivors

PURPOSE

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the US, yet a feasible assessment measure with predictive value for components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Stroke is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to explore the predictive value of potential assessment measures on factors within each ICF component in stroke survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Demographic, anthropometric, blood-based biomarker, physical functioning, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire data were collected on stroke survivors in the 2011-2018 NHANES cycles. Potential predictors (handgrip strength relative to weight, age, sex, race, education level, marital status, poverty ratio, stroke chronicity) of physical function, activities of daily living (ADLs), participation in social activities, metabolic syndrome, and meeting physical activity recommendations were evaluated using weighted linear and ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Relative handgrip strength was a significant predictor of physical function, difficulty participating in ADLs and social activities, and odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. As relative handgrip strength increased, these factors improved among stroke survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

To decrease disability rates and optimize function among stroke survivors, the use of assessment measures like relative handgrip strength that may predict multiple ICF components is warranted.

Predictors of lower exercise capacity in patients with cancer

Maintaining cancer patients' exercise capacity and therefore patients' ability to live a self-determined life is of huge importance, but little is known about major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of exercise capacity in patients with a broad spectrum of cancer types, who were already receiving cancer treatment or about to commence such therapy. Exercise capacity was assessed in 253 consecutive patients mostly suffering from advanced cancer using the 6-min walk test (6-MWT). All patients underwent echocardiography, physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength (HGS) measurement, and laboratory assessments. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median distance in the 6-MWT (459 m). Patients with lower exercise capacity were older, had significantly lower HGS and haemoglobin and higher values of high sensitive (hs) Troponin T and NT-proBNP (all p < 0.05). Whilst the co-morbidity burden was significantly higher in this group, no differences were detected for sex, body mass index, tumor type, or cachexia (all p > 0.2). Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that the presence of anaemia (odds ratio (OR) 6.172, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.401-27.201, p = 0.016) as well as an increase in hs Troponin T (OR 3.077, 95% CI 1.202-5.301, p = 0.019) remained independent predictors of impaired exercise capacity. Increasing HGS was associated with a reduced risk of a lower exercise capacity (OR 0.896, 95% CI 0.813-0.987, p = 0.026). Screening patients for elevated hs troponin levels as well as reduced HGS may help to identify patients at risk of lower exercise capacity during cancer treatment.

Development and validation of a portable articulated dynamometry system to assess knee extensor muscle strength

Muscle strength assessment is important in predicting clinical and functional outcomes in many disorders. Manual muscle testing, although commonly used, offers suboptimal accuracy and reliability. Isokinetic dynamometers (IKDs) have excellent accuracy and reliability; but are bulky and expensive, offering limited accessibility. This study aimed to design a portable dynamometer that is accessible, accurate and reliable, and to validate the device in a general population. The portable articulated dynamometry system (PADS) is a portable device with an embedded high-precision load cell, designed to measure muscle strength with optimal accuracy. Seventy-two participants underwent maximal isometric and isokinetic knee extensor torque measurement with the PADS and IKD, respectively. The PADS results were cross-validated against IKD results using change in mean (CIM). Interrater and intra-rater reliabilities were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. The PADS maximal knee extensor strength results were not significantly different from those by IKD (CIM: - 2.13 Nm; 95% CI - 4.74, 0.49 Nm). The PADS showed interrater reliability (Pearson's r: 0.958; ICC: 0.979; SEM: 5.51%) and excellent intra-rater reliability (Pearson's r: 0.912; ICC: 0.954; SEM: 8.38%). The proposed PADS may be an effective alternative to IKD, offering good accuracy, reliability, and potentially better accessibility.

Better Handgrip Strength Is Related to the Lower Prevalence of Pain and Anxiety in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Although handgrip strength (HGS) may be treated as a biomarker of many health problems, there is little evidence on the potential role of HGS in the prevention of pain or anxiety in older adults. We investigated the relationship of HGS to the presence of pain and anxiety among community-dwelling older adults. The study was performed in 2038 outpatients, aged 60 to 106 years. The Jamar hand-held hydraulic dynamometer was used to measure HGS. The prevalence of pain and anxiety was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. Symptoms of depression were recorded with 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). In the multivariate logistic regression model taking into account age, sex, BMI and concomitant diseases, the significant influence of HGS on the presence of pain (odds ratio [OR]  =  0.988) in the entire study population and among men (OR  =  0.983) was found. HGS was a significant independent predictor for the presence of anxiety in the entire study population (OR  =  0.987), in women (OR  =  0.985) and in men (OR  =  0.988). In the fully adjusted model with included GDS, 1 kg higher HGS was still associated with 1.2% and 1.3% lower probability of the presence of pain and anxiety, respectively. We conclude that low HGS is associated with the presence of pain and anxiety among older adults, independent of age, sex, depression symptoms and concomitant chronic diseases. Future research should assess whether improvement of HGS would alleviate psychological dysfunction in older adults.

Sarcopenic obesity by the ESPEN/EASO criteria for predicting mortality in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recently released the first international consensus on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO), which recommended skeletal muscle mass adjusted for body weight (SMM/W) to determine low muscle mass. SMM adjusted for body mass index (SMM/BMI) appeared to be better associated with physical performance than SMM/W. Thus, we modified the ESPEN/EASO criteria by using SMM/BMI. We aimed (1) to evaluate the agreement of the ESPEN/EASO-defined SO (SO_ESPEN) and the modified ESPEN/EASO-defined SO (SO_ESPEN-M) with other commonly used SO definitions, and (2) to compare different SO definitions for predicting mortality in a prospective cohort with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

This prospective study included patients with advanced NSCLC. We defined SO according to five different diagnostic criteria: SO_ESPEN, SO_ESPEN-M, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS)-determined sarcopenia with BMI-determined obesity (SO_AWGS), computed tomography-derived sarcopenia with BMI-determined obesity (SO_CT), and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio >0.8 (SO_FM). The outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 639 participants (mean age 58.6 years, 229 women) we studied, 488 (76.4%) died during the median follow-up period of 25 months. SMM/BMI was significantly lower in the death group than in the survivor group (men: p = 0.001, women: p < 0.001), but SMM/W was not. Only 3 (0.47%) participants met all five SO diagnostic criteria. SO_ESPEN showed an excellent agreement with SO_ESPEN-M (Cohen's kappa = 0.896), a moderate agreement with SO_AWGS (Cohen's kappa = 0.415), but poor agreements with SO_CT and SO_FM (Cohen's kappa = 0.078 and 0.092, respectively). After full adjustment for potential confounders, SO_ESPEN (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26-1.89), SO_ESPEN-M (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.26-1.92), and SO_AWGS (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.78) were significantly associated with mortality. However, SO_CT (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.87-1.58) and SO_FM (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.90-1.46) showed no significant association with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SO_ESPEN showed an excellent agreement with SO_ESPEN-M, a moderate agreement with SO_AWGS, but poor agreements with SO_CT and SO_FM. SO_ESPEN, SO_ESPEN-M, and SO_AWGS were independent prognostic factors for mortality in our study population, but SO_CT and SO_FM were not. Although SMM/BMI was better associated with survival than SMM/W, SO_ESPEN-M did not show an advantage in predicting survival over SO_ESPEN.

Predictors of the 6-min walk test in patients with ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To identify the predictors of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and investigate the relationship between 6MWT, performance status, functional mobility, fatigue, quality of life, neuropathy, physical activity level, and peripheral muscle strength in patients with ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

Twenty-four patients diagnosed with stage II-III ovarian cancer were included in the study. Patients were assessed using the following measurement methods: 6MWT for walking capacity, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (ECOG-PS) for performance status, an armband physical activity monitor for physical activity level, Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) for fatigue, Functional Cancer Treatment Evaluation with Quality of Life-Extreme (FACT-O) for quality of life, Functional Evaluation of Cancer Treatment/Gynecological Oncology-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-NTX) for neuropathy, a hand-held dynamometer for peripheral muscle strength, and 30-s chair-stand test for functional mobility.

RESULTS

The mean 6MWT distance was 578.48 ± 115.33 meters. 6MWT distance correlated with ECOG-PS score (r = -0.438, p = 0.032), handgrip strength (r = 0.452, p= 0030), METs (r = 0.414, p = 0.044) 30s-CST (r= 0.417, p= 0.043), and neuropathy score (r = 0.417, p = 0.043) significantly. There was no relationship between 6MWT distance and other parameters (p> 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that performance status was the sole predictor of 6MWT.

CONCLUSION

The walking capacity seems to be associated with performance status, peripheral muscle strength, level of physical activity, functional mobility, and severity of neuropathy in patients with ovarian cancer. Evaluating these may help clinicians to understand factors behind the decreased walking capacity.

Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients with Cancer 2022: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Experiencing pain and insufficient relief can be devastating and negatively affect a patient's quality of life. Developments in oncology such as new treatments and adjusted pain management guidelines may have influenced the prevalence of cancer pain and severity in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence and severity of pain in cancer patients in the 2014-2021 literature period. A systematic literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were evaluated and assessed on methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed on the pooled prevalence and severity rates. A meta-regression analysis was used to explore differences between treatment groups. We identified 10,637 studies, of which 444 studies were included. The overall prevalence of pain was 44.5%. Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 30.6% of the patients, a lower proportion compared to previous research. Pain experienced by cancer survivors was significantly lower compared to most treatment groups. Our results imply that both the prevalence of pain and pain severity declined in the past decade. Increased attention to the assessment and management of pain might have fostered the decline in the prevalence and severity of pain.

Differences in the Relationships Between Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, Balance Function, and Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older Breast Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle strength, muscle mass, balance function, and quality of life (QOL) among middle-aged breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and older BCSs.

METHODS

The study included 53 middle-aged (<65 years old) BCSs and 49 older (≥65 years old) BCSs. Muscle strength was evaluated via handgrip and knee extensor strength, and muscle mass was assessed using a body composition test. Balance function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the body sway test. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey.

RESULTS

The older BCSs had significantly lower right grip strength, right knee extension strength, and muscle mass (P < .05) than the middle-aged BCSs. In addition, the body sway test showed that older BCSs had a significant increase in the length of center of pressure compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). Older BCSs showed significantly lower physical functioning subscales in QOL compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). The associations among muscle strength, muscle mass and QOL were more significantly observed in the older BCSs (P < .05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between QOL and balance function was observed in the older BCSs, but not in the middle-aged BCSs (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

There may be associations among muscle strength, muscle mass, balance and QOL in older BCSs, but not in middle-aged BCSs. We believe that the findings of this study will be relevant in the context of planning rehabilitation for older BCSs.

Associations of Physical Activity and Handgrip Strength with Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Korean Cancer Survivors

Background: Uncertainty exists regarding the associations between physical activity (PA), relative handgrip strength (RHGS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly Korean cancer survivors. This study investigated the moderating effect of RHGS on the relationship between PA and HRQoL in 308 cancer survivors aged ≥65 years using the data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014−2019. Methods: HRQoL was evaluated with the EuroQol-5-dimension instrument. PA and handgrip strength were assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and a hand dynamometer, respectively. Age, sex, body mass index, income, marital status, educational background, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking status, multimorbidity, and hemoglobin were included as covariates. Results: Bivariate logistic regression showed that insufficient PA and no PA were associated with higher odds of a low HRQoL (odds ratio, OR = 2.6, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.3~5.1, p = 0.005; OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1~5.0, p = 0.024, respectively), compared with sufficient PA (OR = 1). Weak RHGS was associated with high odds of a low HRQoL (OR = 2.6, 95%= 1.530~4.6, p < 0.001) compared with normal RHGS (OR = 1). Particularly, RHGS (β = −0.0573, 95% CI = −0.1033~−0.0112) had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between PA and HRQoL even after adjustments for all the covariates. The negative influence of physical inactivity on HRQoL was observed in cancer survivors with weak RHGS but not in cancer survivors with normal RHGS. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that maintaining or promoting muscular strength through regular exercise is critical for the HRQoL of elderly Korean cancer survivors.

Relative Handgrip Strength Mediates the Relationship between Hemoglobin and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Korean Adults

Background: Little is known regarding how anemia and handgrip strength influence the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older populations. This population-based study aimed to examine whether handgrip strength mediates the association between anemia and HRQoL in a representative sample of 6892 Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years (3753 females). Methods: HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol-5 dimension. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and handgrip strength was measured with a digital hand dynamometer. Results: Individuals with anemia were at increased risk for a lower HRQoL (odds ratio, OR = 1.285, p = 0.002) even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, income, marital status, education, physical activity, and multimorbidity compared with individuals without anemia (OR = 1). Individuals with weak handgrip strength were also at increased risk for a lower HRQoL (OR = 1.429, p < 0.001) even after adjustment for all the covariates compared with individuals with normal handgrip strength (OR = 1). Mediation analysis with a bootstrapping procedure showed that relative handgrip strength mediated the relationship between hemoglobin and HRQoL (95% confidence interval, CI 0.0192 to 0.0289) even after adjustment for all covariates, with 42.0% of the total effect of hemoglobin on HRQoL explained. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that the impact of anemia on HRQoL is partially mediated by weak handgrip strength, implying the clinical importance of having or maintaining adequate hemoglobin and handgrip strength via healthy lifestyle choices to maintain a high HRQoL later in life.

Association of Handgrip Strength with Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of general muscular strength and in cancer patients acts as a relevant marker associated with mortality and health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between peripheral muscle function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer (BC) survivors.

METHODS

Systematic review registered on PROSPERO under number: CRD 42021225206. The searches were carried out on MEDLINE via Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO and Science Direct databases. Observational studies evaluating the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and HRQoL in adult female BC survivors were included. No linguistic or time restrictions were applied. Two reviewers reviewed full texts for inclusion and performed data extraction and risk of bias using the Newcastle and Ottawa scale (NOS).

RESULTS

Five articles were included and involved 587 patients, mean age of 47 to 59 years. The percentage of decreased HGS ranged from 38.3% to 60.3%. HGS was associated with different quality of life measures. From meta-analysis including 220 patients, the correlation coefficient between HGS and HRQoL was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.07-0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancer survivors face decline of HGS. In this population HGS was correlated with HRQoL. However, more evidence are necessary.

Cardiovascular and metabolic determinants of quality of life in patients with cancer

AIMS

Maintaining quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer has gathered significant interest, but little is known about its major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of QoL in patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as in treatment-naïve patients about to commence such therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

QoL was assessed in 283 patients with cancer using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 questionnaire. All patients underwent a battery of tests including physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength, and biochemistry assessment. Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that age [odds ratio (OR) 0.954, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.916-0.994], resting heart rate (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.004-1.068), hand grip strength (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.878-0.990), and the presence of cachexia (OR 4.334, 95% CI 1.767-10.631) and dyspnoea (OR 3.725, 95% CI 1.540-9.010; all P < 0.05) remained independently predictive of reduced QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it may be reasonable to address circumstances that are affecting muscle mass, body weight, and heart rate to maintaining QoL; however, prospective studies to test these endpoints are required.

Digital and Interactive Health Interventions Minimize the Physical and Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer, Increasing Women's Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Digital and interactive health interventions (DIHIs), such as virtual-reality-based therapy (VRBT) and smartphone-app-based therapy (SABT), may be useful for reducing the impact of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer (BC) in women. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the effect of DIHIs on improving pain, anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL), and upper extremity (UE) disability-related lymphedema in women with BC.

METHODS

We searched PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and SciELO for the period ending February 2022. We included studies that assessed the effect of DIHIs on UE motor disability, pain, anxiety, depression, and QoL in women with BC. The effect size was calculated using Cohen's standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Twenty studies providing data from 1613 women with BC were included. With respect to UE disability, DIHIs increased flexion (SMD, 1.92; 95%CI: -1.16, 2.68), abduction (SMD, 1.66; 95%CI: 0.91, 2.42), external rotation shoulder range of motion (SMD, 1.1; 95%CI: 0.36, 1.85), UE function (SMD, -0.72; 95%CI: -1.31, -0.13), and handgrip strength (SMD, 0.4; 95%CI: 0.21, 0.59). DIHIs reduced pain (SMD, -0.8; 95%CI: -1.31, -0.26), anxiety (SMD, -1.02; 95%CI: -1.71, -0.34), and depression (SMD, -1.57; 95%CI: -3.1, -0.08). Finally, DIHIs increased overall health (SMD, 0.6; 95%CI: 0.31, 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Right at the end of therapy, DIHIs are effective at improving UE function, pain, anxiety, depression, and QoL in women with BC. VRBT has a greater effect than SABT for the assessed outcomes.

Associations of Handgrip Asymmetry With Impaired Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adults in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study Using National Survey Data

This study aimed to examine the associations of handgrip strength (HGS) and asymmetry with health-related quality of life among South Korean older adults. We enrolled 7395 older adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimension. Weakness was defined as a HGS of <26 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Handgrip strength symmetry was defined as an HGS ratio of 0.9:1.1, and HGS asymmetry was defined as a ratio outside that range. Data were analyzed using the Rao-Scott χ², F test, and multivariate logistic regression. Compared with those in the "symmetric HGS and not weak" group, those in the "asymmetric HGS and weak" group had impaired health-related quality of life for all variables among men (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.67-3.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.14, 6.27]). A greater risk of impaired self-care (SC; odds ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% CI [1.67, 3.25]) and anxiety/depression (AD; OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04, 1.88]) was observed among women in the "asymmetric HGS and weak" group. Handgrip weakness and asymmetry are associated with impaired health-related quality of life. Handgrip asymmetry can be a clinical marker of health-related quality of life in older adults and must be measured alongside HGS.

Associations of Physical Activity and Handgrip Strength with Different Domains of Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

There is a paucity of evidence about the associations of physical activity (PA) and handgrip strength (HGS) within different domains of quality of life (QoL) in Chinese pediatric cancer survivors. We, therefore, conducted this multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether increased PA level and HGS are associated with higher scores in different QoL domains (i.e., physical, emotional, social, and school functioning) in pediatric cancer survivors. PA was assessed with a validated self-reported PA rating scale. In total, 191 Chinese pediatric cancer survivors aged 9 to 16 years were included in the analysis. Results showed that engaging in a higher level of PA was significantly associated with improved QoL in different domains, including physical (β = 0.543, p < 0.001), emotional (β = 0.449, p < 0.001), social (β = 0.434, p < 0.001), and school functioning (β = 0.407, p < 0.001). Greater HGS was also associated with better physical (β = 0.230, p ≤ 0.001) and emotional (β = 0.261, p ≤ 0.001) functioning. Findings from this study provide evidence of the significant beneficial impact of regular PA on pediatric cancer survivors’ QoL along their survivorship trajectory.

Functional Decline in the Cancer Patient: A Review

A decline in functional status, an individual's ability to perform the normal activities required to maintain adequate health and meet basic needs, is part of normal ageing. Functional decline, however, appears to be accelerated in older patients with cancer. Such decline can occur as a result of a cancer itself, cancer treatment-related factors, or a combination of the two. The accelerated decline in function seen in older patients with cancer can be slowed, or even partly mitigated through routine assessments of functional status and timely interventions where appropriate. This is particularly important given the link between functional decline and impaired quality of life, increased mortality, comorbidity burden, and carer dependency. However, a routine assessment of and the use of interventions for functional decline do not typically feature in the long-term care of cancer survivors. This review outlines the link between cancer and subsequent functional decline, as well as potential underlying mechanisms, the tools that can be used to assess functional status, and strategies for its prevention and management in older patients with cancer.

Effects of Perioperative Oral Nutrition Supplementation in Malaysian Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery for Breast and Colorectal Cancers-A Randomised Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of preoperative and an extended 90-days postoperative use of ONS among patients undergoing elective surgery for breast and colorectal cancers. Ninety-one patients were randomised into (i) Group SS received ONS up to 14 days preoperatively and postoperatively up to discharge, (ii) Group SS-E received ONS up to 14 days preoperatively, postoperatively up to discharge and for an extended 90-days after discharge and (iii) Group DS received ONS postoperatively up to discharge. Preoperatively, SS had significantly higher body weight (66.1 ± 15.3 kg vs. 62.5 ± 12.0 kg, p = 0.010) and BMI (26.8 ± 6.8 kg/m2 vs. 26.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2, p = 0.022) than DS when adjusted for baseline values. Postoperatively, SS-E had significantly higher handgrip strength (26 ± 9 kgF vs. 24 ± 6 kgF, p = 0.044) than DS at 90-days post-discharge after adjusted for preoperative values. At 90-days post-discharge, the proportions of patients in SS with albumin < 35 g/d, CAR ≥ 0.1, mPINI ≥ 0.4, mGPS score 1 or 2 were significantly reduced while in SS-E, the reduction in proportions of patients with high hsCRP and mPINI ≥ 0.4 was significant compared to upon discharge. Preoperative ONS had modest benefits in attenuating weight loss whilst postoperative supplementation up to 90-days post-discharge improved handgrip strength and inflammatory prognostic markers.

Self-Reported and Performance-Based Evaluations of Functional Status in Older Women With Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate self-reported and performance-based functional status (FS) in older women with breast cancer according to stage and time of visit during treatment.

SAMPLE & SETTING

72 women with breast cancer aged 78 years or older and receiving any type of treatment at a midwestern outpatient clinic.

METHODS & VARIABLES

FS was evaluated using grip strength, the Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the instrumental ADLs (IADLs) scale, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Mixed models were fit for grip strength and the TUGT, and generalized estimating equations were used to fit binary logistic regressions for the Index of ADLs and the IADLs scale. Continuous FS outcomes were evaluated using means and standard deviations.

RESULTS

Cancer stage and time of visit did not affect self-reported or performance-based FS scores. Most participants were considered independent on the Index of ADLs, the IADLs scale, and the TUGT, which did not change significantly between visits. Self-reported measures revealed less impairment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Monitoring FS using self-reported and performance-based measures can ensure that older patients receive timely support.

Absolute and Relative Handgrip Strength as Indicators of Self-Reported Physical Function and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: The EFICAN Study

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide and it has a high survival rate. Thus, side effects related to breast cancer and treatments compromise lots of people’s physical functions and health-related quality of life. For this reason, it is important to manage these side effects in the follow up after treatments. The handgrip strength and the handgrip strength relative to body mass index may constitute useful, simple, quick and economically feasible tools that may help clinicians detecting these side effects, which is key to undertake actions for improving the physical function and health-related quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

Background: Although breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world, its high survival rate implies that many people live long after the treatments and face their side effects. The physical function (PF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people surviving BC decreases significantly, which makes important to identify markers that may be associated with a better health status and prognosis. Previous studies suggest that handgrip strength (HGS) and HGS relative to the body mass index (rHGS) are good indicators of PF and HRQoL in different populations. However, it is unknown whether this applies to BC survivors. This study aimed to evaluate the association of HGS and rHGS with PF and HRQoL in this population. Methods: Sixty female BC survivors participated. Handgrip strength was assessed with a dynamometer. Arm volume was estimated and upper limb impairments, as well as cancer-related fatigue, depression, life satisfaction and HRQoL, were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results: Higher levels of HGS and rHGS were associated with higher levels of HRQoL, lower cancer-related fatigue, and fewer problems with the affected arm. Conclusions: These results suggest that HGS may be a good indicator of self-reported PF and HRQoL in female BC survivors.

Hand grip strength and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a national population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Muscle strength progressively decreases after menopause. Hand grip strength (HGS) reflects overall muscle strength and may be associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to assess the association between HGS and HRQoL in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

We used nationally representative data on 6,059 postmenopausal women from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2018). HGS was determined as the maximum value in kilograms (kg) achieved using either hand. HRQoL was estimated using the European Quality of Life Questionnaire-Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The prevalence ratios of having moderate/severe problems on the EQ-5D were evaluated with adjustment for covariates using complex survey analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of having a problem in at least one of the HRQoL dimensions among postmenopausal women was 43.6%. Compared with participants with the lowest quintile of HGS, women in the highest quintile had a significantly lower prevalence of moderate/severe problems in most dimensions (fully adjusted prevalence ratios [95% confidence intervals]; 0.73 [0.60-0.89], 0.45 [0.28-0.72], 0.52 [0.38-0.71], 0.74 [0.63-0.87], and 0.91 [0.70-1.18] for mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, respectively). The associations between HGS and EQ-5D index were stronger among the participants who were older (65-79 y), had a higher body mass index (≥ 25.0 kg/m2), had low physical activity, had a longer duration since menopause (≥ 10 y), and had a chronic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HGS was associated with a lower prevalence of moderate/severe problems in each dimension of the EQ-5D in postmenopausal women. These associations were more apparent in individuals who were older, had higher body mass index, or had a chronic disease.

Associations between relative grip strength and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Yangpyeong cohort of the Korean genome and epidemiology study

Objective

To investigate the association between relative grip strength and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently and in combination with body mass index (BMI) in Korean adults.

Methods

The cross-sectional study includes 2,811 men and women (age 40 to 92 years old) with no history of heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Relative grip strength was measured by a handheld dynamometer and calculated by dividing absolute grip strength by body weight. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of T2DM by sex-specific quintiles of relative grip strength. In a joint analysis, participants were classified into 4 groups: “weak (lowest 20% quintile one) and normal weight (BMI <25.0 kg/m²)”, “weak and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m²)”, “strong (upper 80% four quintiles) and normal weight” or “strong and overweight/obese”.

Results

Among the 2,811 participants, 371 were identified as having T2DM. Compared with the lowest quintile of relative grip strength (weakest), the ORs (95% CIs) of T2DM were 0.73 (0.53–1.02), 0.68 (0.48–0.97), 0.72 (0.50–1.03), and 0.48 (0.32–0.74) in upper quintiles two, three, four, and five, respectively, after adjusting for BMI and other potential confounders. In the joint analysis, compared with the “weak and overweight/obese” reference group, the odds of T2DM [ORs (95% CIs)] was lower in the “strong and overweight/obese” group [0.65 (0.46–0.92)] and the “strong and normal weight” group [0.49 (0.35–0.67)], after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional study, greater relative grip strength was associated with a lower prevalence of T2DM independent of BMI in Korean adults. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine whether a causal association exists between relative grip strength and T2DM prevalence considering BMI.

Effect of a WeChat-based perioperative nursing intervention on risk events and self-management efficacy in patients with thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effect of perioperative nursing intervention based on WeChat app on the incidence of risk events and self-management efficacy after thyroid cancer surgery.

METHODS

A total of 96 patients with thyroid cancer were enrolled and divided into a conventional group (n=49) receiving conventional perioperative nursing intervention and the WeChat app group (n=47) receiving WeChat-based perioperative nursing intervention plus conventional nursing. The Chinese version of Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (C-SUPPH) was used to assess self-management efficacy, and the Self-Assessment Scale for Anxiety (SAS) and the Self-Assessment Scale for Depression (SDS) were used to assess psychological status. The occurrence of risk events, changes in self-management efficacy and psychological status, and the occurrence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The risk event rate in the WeChat app group (2.13%) was significantly lower than that of the conventional group (14.29%) (P<0.05). Stress reduction, positive attitudes, and decision-making scores were elevated in both groups after intervention (P<0.05), and were significantly higher in the WeChat app group than in the conventional group (P<0.05). SAS and SDS scores were lower in both groups after intervention (P<0.05), and were significantly lower in the WeChat app group than in the conventional group (P<0.05). The rate of postoperative adverse reactions in the WeChat app group (31.91%) was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (73.47%) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

WeChat app-based perioperative nursing interventions can effectively reduce risk events, improve self-management efficacy, and alleviate adverse emotions of thyroid cancer patients, leading to fewer adverse reactions.

Cancer Survivors with Low Hand Grip Strength Have Decreased Quality of Life Compared with Healthy Controls: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2017

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors experience decreased physical function and reduced muscle strength, which leads to lower quality of life (QOL). The hand grip strength (HGS) can be a predictor of poor health-related QOL as a parameter of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between low HGS and QOL in cancer survivors and healthy controls.

METHODS

We analyzed 392 cancer survivors and 1,176 healthy controls from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014-2017. We defined low HGS as 2 standard deviation values for healthy young Korean adults from a previous study. QOL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Scale-Five Dimensions. A complex sample logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between each dimension of low HGS and QOL.

RESULTS

The odds ratios (ORs) for decreased QOL were significantly higher in male cancer survivors with low HGS on self-care (OR, 8.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-42.83) and usual activities (OR, 6.63; 95% CI, 1.22-36.03). The ORs for problems in mobility (OR, 5.87; 95% CI, 2.04-16.91), usual activities (OR, 14.46; 95% CI, 3.84-54.44), pain/discomfort (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.00-12.01), and anxiety/depression (OR, 6.43; 95% CI, 2.16-19.12) were significantly high in female cancer survivors with low HGS. However, healthy controls showed no significant relationship between low HGS and QOL.

CONCLUSION

For cancer survivors, low HGS was associated with poor QOL in some domains. Strategies to increase muscle strength must be considered to improve the QOL of cancer survivors.

Female cancer survivors are more likely to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to explore malnutrition risk, handgrip strength and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors.

METHODS

In total, 232 individuals completed a demographic questionnaire, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Handgrip strength was determined using a spring-loaded handgrip dynamometer and anthropometric measurements were taken by an oncology nurse. Frequencies and distribution data, analysis of variance and chi-squared tests were then conducted.

RESULTS

The majority of the cohort were female (n = 141; 60.8%) had breast cancer (n = 62; 26.7%) and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 6.2 kg m^-2 . Less than a one-third reported seeing a dietitian (n = 68; 29.3%). Over one-third reported recent weight loss (n = 88; 37.3%). Some 40.9% (n = 95) were at moderate to high risk of malnutrition, with women more likely than men to be classified as high risk (p < 0.05). Mean ± SD handgrip strength was 25 ± 15 kg and this differed significantly by gender (p = 0.00), cancer type (p = 0.01) and BMI classification (p = 0.01). One-fifth of individuals were classified as having dynapenia (n = 48; 21.1%). Median (interquartile range) QOL score was 66.7 (33.3). The proportion of individuals meeting the threshold for clinical importance for QOL subscales ranged from 12.5% (constipation) to 42.7% (physical functioning). Females were more likely than males to meet the threshold for physical functioning (p = 0.00), fatigue (p = 0.02) and pain (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Females are more likely than males to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical significance for several QOL subscales.