Abstract
Objective: To compare pre- and postoperative shoulder active range of motion (AROM) values from female breast cancer (BCA) survivors to population norm values for shoulder AROM, and to compare shoulder AROM differences pre- and postsurgery between female African American (AA) and white BCA survivors.
Study Design: This pilot study used a convenience sample and longitudinal design measuring participants 2 times (T0 = baseline, after biopsy but within 2 weeks before BCA; T1 = second postoperative week).
Background: The United States has the largest BCA survivor population in history, but the mortality burden remains highest among AA BCA survivors. African Americans may also have a greater burden of physical and functional adverse effects compared with whites and the general population.
Methods and Measures: The data were collected from a convenience sample (n = 33; nAA= 9, nW= 24) and included data on shoulder AROM, medical chart review for pre- and comorbid conditions, and self-reported demographics and medical history. We used t tests to compare sample AROM means to population norms. We then compared our sample across 2 time points (T0 = presurgery; T1 = 2 weeks postsurgery) using independent samples t tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance (P < .05) to compare AA with white subsamples AROM means.
Results: African Americans had significantly less shoulder abduction (at T0) and flexion (at T1) than whites. However, 100% had significantly reduced AROM for all movements at T0 (prior to surgery but after biopsy) when compared with population norms.
Conclusions: The significant reduction in shoulder AROM after biopsy but before surgery points to a possible unmet need for early physical therapy intervention. Further research using randomized controlled trial design is recommended.