Correlation Between Hand Grip Strength and Scapular Muscle Strength of Affected Upper Extremity in Female Breast Cancer Survivors Post Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract

Background: Proximal joint stability is required to perform distal movements. Good grip strength might require adequate shoulder stability which will be dependent upon its musculature. Purpose: To find the relation of hand grip strength with scapular muscle strength in breast cancer survivors post modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Methodology: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 33 breast cancer survivors who underwent MRM before 6 months or more were included. Their affected side hand grip strength along with serratus anterior muscle strength and strength of upper, middle and lower fibers of trapezius was measured using hand held dynamometer. Results: Karl pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to find the correlation between hand grip strength and scapular muscle strength. Strong positive correlation was found between hand grip strength and serratus anterior muscle (r = 0.848) as well as lower trapezius (r = 0.868) strength. Whereas moderate positive correlation was found between hand grip strength and upper trapezius (r = 0.665) as well as middle trapezius (r = 0.444) muscle strength which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hand grip strength was significantly correlated with the scapular muscle strength in breast cancer survivors post MRM. Keywords: Breast cancer survivors, hand grip strength, hand held dynamometer, Modified Radical Mastectomy, Scapular muscle.