Performance of physical, cardiovascular, and psychological functions in middle-aged women with and without breast cancer

Purpose: To compare the physical performance, including upper-limb motor and cardiovascular functions, and psychological functions, including anxiety and depression, sleep, and fatigue, between women with and without breast cancer. Methods: Thirty-two women with breast cancer and 32 healthy counterparts were recruited for the study. Upper-limb muscle strength, shoulder range of motion, and upper-limb function were assessed using a handheld dynamometer, a goniometer, and the short form of the Disabilities of Arm-Shoulder-Hand Questionnaire, respectively. Exercise endurance and cardiovascular functions were assessed using the 6-min walk test and blood pressure and heart rate variability, respectively. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Fatigue Assessment Scale were used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and fatigue, respectively. Results: Breast cancer participants’ body-weight-adjusted upper-limb strength of both the affected and unaffected sides (0.11–0.14) was only 61.1–77.8% of those of the healthy participants (0.18). Their shoulder mobility of the affected side (flexion: 161.64°; abduction: 157.01°) were 94.2% (flexion) and 92.5% (abduction) of those of the healthy participants (flexion: 171.56°; abduction: 169.68°), respectively. Breast cancer participants had higher quickDASH mean score (19.53), HADS-A mean score (6.78), HADS-D mean score (4.72), global PSQI mean score (7.22) and FAS mean score (25.97) as well as shorter mean distance covered by 6 MWT (496.66 m) than those of the healthy participants. Conclusions: Rehabilitative interventions, such as mind–body interventions and exercise training, target physical fitness and promote the psychological health of women with breast cancer are necessary.