Effects of Grip Strengthening Exercises on Hand Functions in Post Operative Breast Carcinoma Patients

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer -related deaths in women worldwide. The epidemiology of breast cancer includes the incidence, mortality, and prevalence rates of the disease, as well as its risk factors and distribution across different populations. Breast cancer and its treatments can lead to significant hand function impairments, affecting patients' ADL'S. Surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal treatments contribute to these effects. Chemotherapy -induced neuropathy, radiation -induced fibrosis, and hormonal therapy -related musculoskeletal symptoms are common manifestations. Aim & Objectives: To check the effects of grip strengthening exercises on hand functions in post -operative breast carcinoma patient. Method: A total of 42 participants were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Alternatively divided into interventional and conventional groups. Outcomes measures Jebsen taylor hand function test, PRWHE, hand grip and pinch grip were taken pre and post for both the groups. Result: The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 29. The analysis was done using paired t test for intra group and independent test for intra group. There was statistical improvement seen in all the outcome measures for group A that is the interventional group. PRWHE (p<0.001), hand grip strength (p<0.001), pinch grip (p<0.001). When inter group analysis was done there was no statistical significance between group A and Group B. Conclusion: This study suggests that grip strengthening exercises is effective in improving hand functions in breast cancer patients.