Influence of the anchor system on body sway in women affected and not affected by lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundPostural control is an essential ability for functional independence modified by therapeutic approaches and morbidities secondary to breast cancer. The anchor system enables additional haptic perception of body position in front of the support base and can be used alone or in conjunction with sensorimotor training. Research questionWhat is the influence of the anchor system, through different manual contacts on the upper limb, on body sway in women affected and not affected by lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment? MethodsCross-sectional study involving 60 women homogeneously distributed to the group affected by lymphedema (GAL), with a mean age of 62.53 (SD = 12.54) years and upper limb volume difference (ULVD = Ipsilateral – Contralateral) of 636.21 (SD = 387.94) cm3, and group not affected by lymphedema (GNAL), with a mean age of 57.24 (SD = 11.43) years and ULVD of −8.91 (SD = 121.72) cm3. Baropodometry was used to assess body sway, through the presence and absence of the visual sense, associated with different manual contacts of the anchor system designated absence, simulation of use, unilateral and bilateral contact. The Shapiro-Wilk and Student's T-tests with Bonferroni Post-Hoc were used in the statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). ResultsThe GAL expressed non-significant values compared to the GNAL in the absence of visual sense and non-use of the anchor system. The unilateral contact of the anchor system on the preferred upper limb in the presence of the visual sense, and bilateral contact of the anchor system in the presence and absence of the visual sense promoted a significant reduction of body sway in both groups. SignificanceIn breast cancer survivors, the anchor system with bilateral contact effectively maintains postural control, regardless of the visual sense and the volume of the upper limb.