title: Aerobic capacity and upper limb strength are reduced in women diagnosed with breast cancer: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  What are typical values of physical function for women diagnosed with breast cancer and how do these compare to normative data?
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review with meta-analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women diagnosed with breast cancer who were before, during or after treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical function was divided into three categories: aerobic capacity, upper and lower extremity muscular fitness, and mobility. Measures of aerobic capacity included field tests (6-minute walk test, 12-minute walk tests, Rockport 1-mile test, and 2-km walk time) and submaximal/maximal exercise tests on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. Measures of upper and lower extremity muscular fitness included grip strength, one repetition maximum (bench, chest or leg press), muscle endurance tests, and chair stands. The only measure of mobility was the Timed Up and Go test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 1978 studies identified, 85 were eligible for inclusion. Wide ranges of values were reported, reflecting the range of ages, disease severity, treatment type and time since treatment of participants. Aerobic fitness values were generally below average, although 6-minute walk time was closer to population norms. Upper and lower extremity strength was lower than population norms for women who were currently receiving cancer treatment. Lower extremity strength was above population norms for women who had completed treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aerobic capacity and upper extremity strength in women diagnosed with breast cancer are generally lower than population norms. Assessment of values for lower extremity strength is less conclusive. As more research is published, expected values for sub-groups by age, treatment, and co-morbidities should be developed. [Neil-Sztramko SE, Kirkham AA, Hung SH, Niksirat N, Nishikawa K Campbell KL (2014) Aerobic capacity and upper limb strength are reduced in women diagnosed with breast cancer: a systematic review.Journal of Physiotherapy60: 189-200].
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Neil-Sztramko
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Amy A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kirkham
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Stanley H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Negin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Niksirat
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Kei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nishikawa
authors.affiliation: University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Kristin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Breast neoplasms; Meta-analysis; Muscle strength; Physical endurance; Physical fitness