Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Quality Of Life And Well-Being Of Breast Cancer Patients While Following A Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Surveillance Protocol, Madisen L. Prasek

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

With breast cancer being one of the most common cancers in women globally and treatments being one of the greatest risk factors for secondary lymphedema (Eaton et al., 2020; He et al., 2023; Jørgensen et al., 2021), it is essential to understand how a breast cancer diagnosis and treatments affect an individual’s quality of life (QoL) and well-being. This capstone project aimed to gain in-depth clinical skills in lymphedema care, specifically in breast-care related lymphedema (BCRL), and educate on the psychosocial needs of the breast cancer population, with an emphasis on how being at risk for or diagnosed with BCRL …

Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook For Hispanic Women, Katarina Tauran, Mary Smith Phd, Ms, Otr/L, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

Examining Rehabilitation Referral Patterns For Breast Cancer Patients With Mastectomy: A Retrospective Descriptive Chart Review, Jessie Perchaluk, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Advances in health care for those with breast cancer (BC), have led to people living longer lives, however many continue to have difficulty completing daily activities (Hwang et al., 2015; Keesing et al., 2018; Lovelace et al., 2019; Stout et al., 2015; Stubblefield, ). Research explains that physical rehabilitation is beneficial for people with BC, however is not always being recommended (Cheville et al., 2008; Hwang et al., 2015; Pergoletti, 2014; Rafn et al., 2020; Stout et al., 2016; Stout et al., 2015).

Objectives: This study looked at rehabilitation referral patterns and trends for women diagnosed with BC who …

Development Of An Occupation-Based Program For Hispanic Women With Breast Cancer, Tara Licon, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently, available programs for breast cancer patients do not consider the specific needs of Hispanic women or their preferred occupations. The goal of the capstone project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) program that is personalized to Hispanic women with breast cancer at every stage of their recovery. The program was informed by lifestyle redesign. After reviewing the literature and conducting a needs assessment the capstone student created a program titled ‘Beautiful, Bold, Breast Cancer’ which contains five detailed treatment sessions.

A Scoping Review Of Occupation-Based Interventions For Women With Breast Cancer, Whitney Lucas Molitor, Erika Clark, Brittney Moser

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Globally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience physical and psychosocial changes influencing occupational participation and quality of life. Limited evidence exists that reports outcomes of occupation-based occupational therapy interventions for women with breast cancer.

Method: In this scoping review, we map occupation-based occupational therapy interventions conducted by occupational therapy professionals for women undergoing rehabilitation for breast cancer. The Joanna Briggs Institute Guidelines provided a structure for the review.

Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included health management, leisure, and social participation occupations.

Conclusion: Occupational …

Distinguishing The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Breast Cancer Care Continuum, Hannah S. Townsend

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The aggregate number of women who have either concluded BC treatment or are undergoing BC treatment totaled approximately 3.8 million women in January 2022 (BreastCancer.org, 2022). Incredible advances have been made in the pharmacological, technological, and surgical treatments of cancer along with a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer, but the statistics demonstrate a growing population of individuals with cancer and individuals surviving cancer (Bluethmann, 2016). The coinciding aging of the baby boomer generation results in a population of cancer survivors that demands more supply of services than were previously needed (Bluethmann, 2016). The present size of the population …

Stress Matters: A Case Report In Occupational Therapy For Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Amy Driga, Naomi Dolgoy, Julie Hunley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report details occupational therapy (OT) for a woman with breast cancer experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), referred to OT for memory strategies.

Method: Preliminary subjective and cognitive screenings were completed with further/finer assessment diarized.

Results: While the cognitive aspect of CRCI is often addressed via OT, in this case, stress was the most prevalent barrier to function reported. Stress was identified as: impacting occupational engagement, CRCI presentation, interfering with return-to-work goals, and accentuated given the COVID-19 pandemic. A common cancer-specific stress screening tool appeared inadequate in identifying the impact and interplay of stress on function, necessitating a …

The Effects Of Home-Based Exercise Therapy For Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue Induced By Radical Radiotherapy, Georgios Mavropalias, Prue Cormie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Daniel A. Galvão, Dennis R. Taaffe, Christelle Schofield, Sharon Ray, Yvonne Zissiadis, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based resistance and aerobic exercise intervention for reducing CRF and improving HRQoL in breast cancer patients during RT. Methods: Women with breast cancer (N = 106) commencing RT were randomized to 12 weeks of home-based resistance and aerobic exercise (EX) or usual care/control (CON). The primary endpoint was CRF, with secondary endpoints of HRQoL, sleep duration and quality, and physical activity. Measurements were undertaken prior to …

The Effects Of Resistance Exercise Training On Quality Of Life And Muscle Strength In Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review, Rachel A. Carmody, Evelyn S. Logie, Hannah J. Larkin, Kaitlyn E. Yurenda, Zachary M. Mason

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer and prostate cancer are two of the most common cancers seen in females and males respectively worldwide. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and androgen deprivation therapy are essential to combat cancerous cells. However, the lasting side effects of these lifesaving treatments can impact an individual’s quality of life and muscle strength without appropriate intervention. While exercise has been shown to be beneficial for patients with cancer, there is limited understanding of the effects of resistance training when performed concurrently with medical interventions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of resistance training …

Presence And Distress Of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms In Upper Extremities Of Younger And Older Breast Cancer Survivors, Susan Storey, Andrea Cohee, Diane Von Ah, Eric Vachon, Noah R. Zanville, Patrick O. Monahan, Timothy E. Stump, Victoria L. Champion

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine whether the presence of upper extremity chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms (burning, pins/needles, numbness, pain, and skin crawls) among breast cancer survivors (BCS) varied according to age (≤45 years or 55–70 years) and to examine age group differences in upper extremity CIPN symptom distress.

Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of younger (n = 505) and older (n = 622) BCS. Inclusion criteria were age of ≤45 years or 55–70 years; patient at 3–8 years postdiagnosis; patient received the chemotherapy regimen of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide; and patient did not …

A Quantitative Comparison Of Arm Activity Between Survivors Of Breast Cancer And Healthy Controls: Use Of Accelerometry, Mary Insana Fisher, Claire C. Davies, Timothy L. Uhl

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose

Survivors of breast cancer (BC) on the non-dominant side have more persistent deficits than those with cancer on the dominant limb. What is not known is whether those with BC use their involved upper limbs more, less, or at the same level as women without BC. Accelerometer use offers a quantifiable method to measure activity levels of upper limbs. The purpose of this study was to quantify the activity levels of the non-dominant involved limb among survivors of BC and compare these values to their dominant limb, as well as the non-dominant limb of a control group.

Methods

Participants …

Comparison Of Upper Extremity Function In Women With And Women Without A History Of Breast Cancer, Mary Insana Fisher, Gilson J. Capilouto, Terry Malone, Heather M. Bush, Timothy L. Uhl

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Publications

Background

Breast cancer treatments often result in upper extremity functional limitations in both the short and long term. Current evidence makes comparisons against a baseline or contralateral limb, but does not consider changes in function associated with aging.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare upper extremity function between women treated for breast cancer more than 12 months in the past and women without cancer.

Design

This was an observational cross-sectional study.

Methods

Women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mean post-surgical treatment time of 51 months (range = 12–336 months) were compared with women …

Effectiveness Of Therapeutic Exercise To Improve Arm And Breast Symptoms In The Post-Operative Breast Cancer Patients, Jui-Hsiang Sung, Chao-Chun Huang, Kai-Jie Yang, Kuan-Cheng Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Current options for breast cancer therapy include surgical excision, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Many studies have indicated that multifactorial exercise and complete decongestive therapy have positive effects on post-operative/post-radiotherapy lymphedema and shoulder dysfunction (i.e., range of motion). Quality of life after cancer therapy has been a great concern. Many cancer-specific evaluation tools, such as EORTC QLQ - BR23 for breast cancer, have been established in recent years to evaluate quality of life. Objectives: To confirm the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and complete decongestive therapy on arm and breast …

Yoga-Specific Enhancement Of Quality Of Life Among Women With Breast Cancer: Systematic Review And Exploratory Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Daline El-Hashimi, Kevin M. Gorey

Social Work Publications

Physical activities during and after cancer treatment have favorable psychosocial effects. Increasingly, yoga has become a popular approach to improving the quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer. However, the extant synthetic evidence on yoga has not used other exercise comparison conditions. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess yoga-specific effects relative to any other physical exercise intervention (eg, aerobics) for women with breast cancer. QoL was the primary outcome of interest. Eight randomized controlled trials with 545 participants were included. The sample-weighted synthesis at immediate postintervention revealed marginally statistically and modest practically significant differences suggesting yoga’s potentially greater …

Comprehensive Occupational Therapy In A Breast Cancer Program, Nicole Renee Scheiman

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop an evidenced-based, innovative, and comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation and intervention protocol for breast cancer care. The contents of this paper will include an introduction into the current care provided to survivors, literature review on best practice in breast cancer care, outline of the procedures completed to discover what best practice care should be, results of these procedures, discussion of the results, and conclusion with proposed program and recommendations for further investigation. The concern investigated is the inconsistencies in care provided to survivors from the time of diagnosis throughout their lifespan or …

Perceived Stress Levels May Impact Upper Extremity Function Among Women Treated For Breast Cancer, Mary Insana Fisher, Anne Fleischer, Kimbery Parent, Renee Roberts, Megan Mcclure, Lynn Hendricks

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Women treated for breast cancer report ongoing disability in their involved upper extremity, however, often objective measures do not appear to explain the level of perceived dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived stress level, fear of physical activity and self-reported upper extremity function among women treated for breast cancer.

Effectiveness Of Hydrotherapy As An Adjunct Treatment For The Management Of Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema In Women Following Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review, Eleanor Bills, Matthew Delsar, Steven O'Donnell, Alexandra Rice, Cory Stone, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Cancer is a leading cause of death and disability around the world. Of all cancers, breast cancer commonly ranks amongst the top three. Surgical intervention for breast cancer is common and a possible side effect of this is breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL). Women with breast cancer related lymphoedema commonly have regional limb swelling and pain, which can negatively impact mental and social well-being as well as upper limb function. Hydrotherapy is therapeutic modality which may be used as an adjunct to self-management strategies after the intensive phase of lymphoedema management. Yet despite its popularity, recent research has questioned its …

Breast Cancer And Environment Peer Education Tool Kit -- Community Action Panel, Susan C. Schwartz

Susan C. Schwartz

The Breast Cancer and Environment Peer Education Tool Kit culminates three years of dedicated effort by the Zero Breast Cancer leadership and staff, community partners and advisors, and peer education specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area. The teen breast cancer risk awareness curriculum tools that Zero Breast Cancer is making available to the broader community evolved from a formative community assessment to address the need for ageappropriate teen breast cancer outreach education in a community known for high breast cancer incidence.

The impetus to develop this program has been threefold: 1) to disseminate knowledge back to the community that …

Providing Compassion Through Flow, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Meg Kral, MS, OTR/L, CLT, is the cover artist for the Summer 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Her untitled piece of art is an oil painting and is a re-creation of a photograph taken while on vacation. Meg is currently supervisor of outpatient services at Rush University Medical Center. She is lymphedema certified and has a specific interest in breast cancer lymphedema. Art and occupational therapy serve similar purposes for Meg: both provide a sense of flow. She values the outcomes, whether it is a piece of art or improved functional status.

"Bent But Not Broken": A Mixed Methods Study Of Mothering During Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Julie A. Baltisberger

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis of women, with an estimated 232,670 new cases in 2014. With 89.2% of breast cancer patients surviving five years or longer, studies are needed to investigate the long-term impact of breast cancer on women and families (National Cancer Institute, 2014).

The purpose of this study was to examine, using a mixed methods approach, the impact of chemotherapy on mothering occupations for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Thirty-one women (mean age=39.6, SD=5.79), with breast cancer of any stage, who were currently undergoing chemotherapy and had at least one child under the age of …

Neither Heavy Nor Light Load Resistance Exercise Acutely Exacerbates Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivor, Prue Cormie, Daniel A. Galvao, Nigel A. Spry, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2013

Resistance exercise has great potential to aid in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), but little is known regarding the acute response of performing resistance exercises with the affected limb. Purpose. To examine the acute impact of upper body resistance exercise on the amount of swelling and severity of symptoms in women with BCRL and to compare these effects between resistance exercise involving high and low loads (heavier vs lighter weights). Methods. Seventeen women aged 61 ± 9 years with mild to severe BCRL participated in this study. Participants completed a high load (6-8 repetition maximum) and low load …

A Comparison Of Upper Extremity Function Between Female Breast Cancer Survivors And Healthy Controls: Typical Self- Report Of Function, Motion, Strength And Muscular Endurance, Mary Insana Fisher

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Many women who have experienced breast cancer (BC) report continued impairments in upper extremity (UE) function beyond the time required for normal healing after surgical treatment. Most research supporting this has not made comparisons between survivors of breast cancer (BCS) to a sample of healthy women. This lack of comparison to a healthy cohort prevents an understanding of whether continued deficits in UE function are due to normal aging or the BC treatment.

The purpose of this research was to compare quality of life (QOL) and UE function among long term breast cancer survivors and similar aged women without cancer. …

A Biology Dialogue About Breast Cancer And The Environment [Panel Presentation], Susan C. Schwartz

Susan C. Schwartz

Is Weight Lifting Effective In Reducing Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivors?, Diana Petrucello

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight lifting is effective in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials comparing progressive weight lifting and other treatments in breast cancer survivors were found using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema onset measured by blinded certified lymphedema therapists using a standardized clinical evaluation derived from the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0, comprising of interlimb …

Does Reiki Therapy Decrease Pain During Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment In Patients With Gynecological And Breast Cancer?, Samantha L. Ciaccia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Reiki therapy decreases pain during chemotherapy and radiation treatment in patients with gynecological and breast cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized control trials and one randomized prospective cross-over study published in 2003, 2004, and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: One double blind randomized control trial, one 2-arm single blind randomized control trial and one randomized, prospective, 2-period crossover intervention study comparing Reiki therapy to placebo. Articles were found using PubMed and Medline.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pain by BPI (brief pain inventory linear analog scale), SF-36 questionnaire, …

Incidence And Risk Factors Analysis Of Lymphedema Secondary To Breast Cancer, Su-Fen Liao, Ya-Fun Lee, Shou-Tung Chen, Shou-Jen Kuo, Wei-Chen Liang, Ta-Sen Wei, Mu-Tai Liu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Lymphedema, the most significant complication of treatment for breast cancer, can result in substantial psychological and physical morbidity. However, no long-term follow-up lymphedema studies yet exist for Taiwanese breast cancer survivors. This study therefore focused on examining frequency and risk factors of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer in Taiwanese patients. Five hundred and seventy patients who received surgical treatment between 1994 and 2000 at Changhua Christian Hospital were retrospectively investigated in October 2002. The incidence of self-reported edema was 28 percent (161/570), and the incidence of lymphedema with circumference difference greater than 2cm was 8.1 percent (46/570). Eighty-four percent of …

Therapeutic Effect Of Air-Jet Therapy In Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Preliminary Report, Wan-Chia Lee, Cheng-Liang Chou, Cheng-Min Chiu, Tcho-Jen Liu, Rai-Chi Chan

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Lymphedema is a common sequela of breast cancer therapy. The decreased arm function with swelling, pain, numbness, and a limited range of motion, is associated with a psychological distress that affects the quality of life. There is no cure for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Complex physical therapy is currently the mainstream of therapy, combined with manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression pumps and compression bandaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate compressed air therapy as a new approach to lymphedema management.Eleven women with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema were recruited into the study. Air-jet therapy was performed to massage limb in …

Adolescent Peer Education Breast Cancer Awareness Project, Susan Schwartz, Janice Barlow

Susan C. Schwartz

The objective of this project is to create a peer-based, single-lesson module to communicate known and suspected risk factors for the development of breast cancer to an adolescent population. Marin Breast Cancer Watch has conducted a previous formative assessment. Results of teacher surveys, focus groups with adolescent girls and mothers, and community interviews have established local needs for this program. MBCW has developed a unique adolescent breast cancer awareness curriculum in partnership with the Tamalpais Union High School District and peer education experts. A Community Advisory Panel is contributing professional guidance and the advocate viewpoint. This project is designed to …