Self-reported and performance-based assessment of hand function in patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema

Background: Lymphedema is a prevalent adverse effect of breast cancer therapy, affecting around one-third of survivors. It can severely impact both the physical and psychological well-being of women, impairing functional mobility, kinesthetic awareness, and ability to do daily tasks, particularly in the hands. Purpose: This research aimed to comprehensively assess hand function in patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema by self-reported and performance-based assessments. Methods: This Cross-Sectional study was conducted on 40 female patients (Group A), aged from 35 to 65 years old, with post-mastectomy lymphedema, They received the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire to fill it in and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) to perform. Forty healthy age-matched females (Group B) received DASH Questionnaire to fill it in and JTHFT to perform to gather comparable normative data. Results: The Group A’s DASH score was significantly greater than that of Group B (P= 0.001). There was a significant increase in time taken to complete each task of JTHFT (writing, card turning, picking up small common objects, simulated feeding, stacking checkers, picking up large light objects, picking up large heavy objects) and a total time of completing all tasks of JTHFT in Group A in comparison to that of Group B (P<0.05). Conclusion: Post-mastectomy lymphedema significantly affects hand function, as evidenced by both self-reported assessments and objective performance-based measures