Differences in the Relationships Between Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, Balance Function, and Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older Breast Cancer Survivors. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morishita, Shinichiro; Kasahara, Ryuichi; Yamamoto, Yuichi; Jinbo, Ryohei; Takano, Aya; Yasuda, Mitsuhiko; Tsubaki, Atsuhiro; Aoki, Osamu; Fu, Jack B.; Tsuji, Tetsuya
• Is Part Of: Integrative cancer therapies. Volume 21(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: breast cancer survivors -- older -- muscle strength -- muscle mass -- balance function -- QOL; Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1177/15347354221138574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7354

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle strength, muscle mass, balance function, and quality of life (QOL) among middle-aged breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and older BCSs. Methods: The study included 53 middle-aged (<65 years old) BCSs and 49 older (≥65 years old) BCSs. Muscle strength was evaluated via handgrip and knee extensor strength, and muscle mass was assessed using a body composition test. Balance function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the body sway test. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results: The older BCSs had significantly lower right grip strength, right knee extension strength, and muscle mass ( P < .05) than the middle-aged BCSs. In addition, the body sway test showed that older BCSs had a significant increase in the length of center of pressure compared to middle-aged BCSs ( P < .05). Older BCSs showed significantly lower physical functioning subscales in QOL compared to middle-aged BCSs ( P < .05). The associations among muscle strength, muscle mass and QOL were more significantly observed in the older BCSs ( P < .05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between QOL and balance function was observed in the older BCSs, but not in the middle-aged BCSs ( P < .05). Conclusion: There may be associations among muscle strength, muscle mass, balance and QOL in older BCSs, but not in middle-aged BCSs. We believe that the findings of this study will be relevant in the context of planning rehabilitation for older BCSs.