Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcomes Clinical Measures of Strength and Muscular Endurance: A Systematic Review

Background: Muscular strength deficits are a common morbidity following treatment for breast cancer. Accurate assessment of strength and muscular endurance following breast cancer treatments is essential in identifying deficits and planning rehabilitation strategies. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to identify strength and muscular endurance outcome measures for use with women treated for breast cancer that possess strong psychometric properties and are clinically useful. Methods: Multiple electronic databases were searched between February and June 2013. Included studies of tools used to assess strength and muscular endurance met the following criteria: reported psychometric properties, clinically feasible methods, adults (preferably female), and published in the English language. Each outcome measure was reviewed independently and rated by two reviewers separately. A single Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Form was completed for each category of strength or endurance assessment, and a recommendation was made using the 4-point Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force Rating Scale. Results: Of the original 874 articles found, 22 were included in this review. Hand Grip Strength and Hand Held Dynamometry were rated 3, recommended for clinical use. Manual muscle test and one repetition maximum were rated 2B, unable to recommend at this time. Muscular endurance testing was rated 2A, unable to recommend at this time. Conclusions: Utilizing objective dynamometry for hand grip and muscle strength testing provides precise measurement to assess baseline status and monitor change among women treated for breast cancer.