GRIP STRENGTH IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH LYMPHEDEMA FOLLOWING BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Introduction: Grip strength represents a critical, objective indicator of functional capacity in daily activities. This study sought to elucidate the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on grip strength and to explore the underlying factors contributing to its decline. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study including patients over the age of 65 who presented to our outpatient clinic after developing lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer in patients with lymphedema, and data on lymphedema stage and clinical parameters were collected. Results: In older adults with lymphedema, grip strength was significantly reduced on the affected side (median: 8.0 kg [3–21]) compared to the nonaffected side (median: 16.5 kg [10–29]; p < 0.001). Patients with more advanced stages of lymphedema were found to have lower grip strength on the affected side compared to those with earlier stages. In older adults with lymphedema, grip strength was also correlated with the subscales of quality of life and with fatigue, both considered important clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that lymphedema in older adults is associated with clear functional impairment, as evidenced by reduced grip strength on the affected side and a progressive decline across disease stages, underscoring the importance of early intervention to preserve hand function. Keywords: Lymphedema; Breast Neoplasms; Aged; Hand Strength.