Electromyographic Analysis of Shoulder Neuromuscular Activity in Women Following Breast Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Altered upper limb motor behavior in breast cancer survivors and its relation to pain: A narrative review

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and many women suffer from persistent physical and psychological complaints following their cancer treatment. Altered motor behavior at the shoulder region and upper limb, that is, alterations in movement patterns, spatiotemporal movement characteristics and muscle activation patterns, is a common physical consequence of breast cancer treatment, that can have a clear impact on daily life functioning and quality of life. Furthermore, altered upper limb motor behavior is suggested to relate to upper limb pain, which is very commonly reported in breast cancer survivors (BCS). This review, prepared according to the SANRA guidelines, looks into the current understanding of alterations in motor behavior at shoulder and upper limb in BCS, by discussing the factors related to this altered behavior. In this, we specifically focus on the relation between motor behavior and pain. Results of our search show that cancer treatment modality is predictive for shoulder range of motion. Furthermore, single prospective studies show depressive symptoms, living alone, being non-white and low physical activity levels as predicting factors for reduced shoulder range of motion. Pain as factor related to altered motor behavior is only assessed in cross-sectional research, limiting its interpretation in context of being cause or consequence of motor behavioral adaptations, and on the underlying mechanism explaining their relation. It is concluded that studies which explain the mechanisms how and in which subgroup of BCS motor behavioral alterations are associated with pain at the upper limb, are necessary in future.

Case report: Movement analysis in oncological rehabilitation: proposal of a kinematic and surface electromyographic protocol in breast oncology

Introduction

Breast cancer disease often affects the ipsilateral shoulder joint, with pain and joint limitation. Proper pain management, which can be obtained using, for example, pulsed radiofrequency of the suprascapular nerve, can help the physiotherapist mitigate patient pain. The modern technologies of kinematic analysis and surface electromyography of movement analysis can give further support in building a personalized rehabilitation program, based on the quantitative study of movement, in this case of the upper limb.

Methods

A brief case report was conceived to develop and test the evolution of a shoulder joint analysis protocol based on an inertial accelerometer and non-invasive surface electromyography.

Results

An analysis algorithm was defined to adapt to the needs of patients operated on at the breast based on a kinematic component (ROM - range of movement - and Jerk index) and an electromyographic one (study of muscle behavior in groups of four). The coactivations were also evaluated, both as an average value and in graphical form, to offer the physiotherapist a complete overview of the movement of the upper limb.

Discussion

The promising protocol results underline its strengths, including the simplicity of use, combined with the reduced time required for processing the reports and the portability of the PC-sensors complex, making these analyses potentially valuable for patient care.

Shoulder Kinematics of Axillary Web Syndrome in Women Treated for Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To better understand how the shoulder moves in breast cancer survivors with axillary web syndrome (AWS), we compared 3-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematics during shoulder elevation among breast cancer survivors with and without AWS 5 years postoperatively. Although research consistently shows decreased shoulder range of motion with AWS, we do not understand the underlying biomechanics.

DESIGN

Nested case control study.

SETTING

University Academic Breast Center.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five women who had surgery 5 years previously for unilateral breast cancer with the removal of at least 1 lymph node participated in this study (N=25). Twelve participants had AWS; 13 women did not have AWS.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Three-dimensional shoulder kinematic data during shoulder forward flexion, scapular plane abduction, and coronal plane abduction were collected using 3D electromagnetic motion tracking. Kinematic data were extracted at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of arm elevation for scapular upward rotation, internal rotation, and posterior tilt as well as for glenohumeral external rotation.

RESULTS

Women with AWS demonstrated 15.2° less scapular upward rotation at 120° humerothoracic elevation (95% confidence interval [-25.2, -5.2], P=.005), regardless of plane. No significant between-group differences were found for any other angle of scapular upward rotation, nor for scapular internal rotation, scapular posterior tilt, or glenohumeral axial rotation at any angle.

CONCLUSIONS

Five years after surgery for breast cancer, women diagnosed with AWS have altered scapulohumeral kinematics that may place them at an increased risk of shoulder pain based on existing kinematic literature in healthy cohorts. This information can help guide rehabilitation programs for breast cancer survivors to facilitate pain-free upper extremity function after treatment.

Forearm Muscle Activity During the Handgrip Test in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) frequently show upper limb dysfunctions. The forearm muscle activity measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) in this population has not been studied. This study aimed to describe forearm muscle activity in BCS, as well as to assess its possible relationship with other variables related to upper limb functionality and cancer-related fatigue (CRF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out including 102 BCS as volunteers at a secondary care in Malaga, Spain. BCS were included if they were aged between 32 and 70 years old, without evidence of cancer recurrence at the time of recruitment. The forearm muscle activity (microvolts, µV) was assessed by sEMG during the handgrip test. The handgrip strength was assessed by dynamometry (kg), the upper limb functionality (%) was measured by the upper limb functional index (ULFI) questionnaire and the CRF was also assessed by revised Piper Fatigue Scale (0-10 points).

RESULTS

BCS reported reduced forearm muscle activity (287.88 µV) and reduced handgrip strength (21.31 Kg), a good upper limb functionality (68.85%), and a moderate cancer-related fatigue (4.74). Forearm muscle activity showed a poor significant correlation (r = -0.223, P = .038) with the CRF. Handgrip strength showed a poor correlation with the upper limb functionality (r = 0.387, P < .001) and age (r=-0.200, P = .047).

CONCLUSION

BCS showed a reduced forearm muscle activity. BCS also presented a poor correlation between forearm muscle activity and handgrip strength. Both outcomes tended to lower values with higher levels of CRF, while preserving a good upper limb functionality.

The impact of local therapies for breast cancer on shoulder muscle health and function

Advances in breast cancer treatment have improved patient survival but have also created complications, such as shoulder morbidity, impacting the patient's quality of life. Local therapies for breast cancer influence shoulder muscle health through changes to the muscular microenvironment, macroscopic muscle morphology, and neuromuscular function. Our findings suggest both surgery and radiation therapy compromise the healthy functioning of shoulder musculature. Mastectomy and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction directly affect shoulder function through muscle morphology and neuromuscular function alterations. Radiation therapy damages satellite cells and myocytes, causing cell death both during treatment and years after recovery. This damage creates an environment limited in its ability to prevent atrophy. However, research to date is limited to a small number of analyses with small experimental populations and a lack of control for covariates. Future research to uncover the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying shoulder morbidity after breast cancer treatment must integrate measures of shoulder muscle health and shoulder function.

Changes in shoulder outcomes using ultrasonographic assessment of breast cancer survivors: a prospective longitudinal study with 6-month follow-up

This study aimed to describe changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance, and the presence of fluid in the subacromial bursa as measured by ultrasound, as well as shoulder range of motion and strength, perceived shoulder disability, and health-related quality of life in women before and after breast cancer treatment. Women who underwent surgery for unilateral breast cancer who did not suffer from shoulder pain or difficulty performing activities of daily living in the 6 months prior to surgery were included. One pre-surgical (A0) and three post-surgical assessments at 7-10 days (A1), 3 months (A2), and 6 months (A3) after surgery were carried out. The thickness of the supraspinatus tendon on the affected side decreased between post-surgical (A1) and 6-month (A3) follow-up assessments (p = 0.029), although the minimal detectable change was not reached. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder decreased after surgery. Strength changes were observed in both shoulders after surgery. The intensity of shoulder pain increased between post-surgical and 6-month follow-up assessments. Shoulder function was decreased at the post-surgical assessment and increased throughout the follow-ups. Health-related quality of life declined after surgery. A trend of decreasing thickness of the supraspinatus tendon of the affected shoulder was observed. Detecting these possible structural changes early would allow for early or preventive treatment.