Authors (including presenting author) :
PAK LY(1), Wong MS(2), Wong MYR.(3)
Affiliation :
(1)P&O department, PYNEH, Hospital Authority , (2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, (3)Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Mastectomy is considered as the early-stage treatment of breast cancer. However, it affects individuals physically and psychologically. Therefore, external breast prosthesis (EBP) is prescribed to restore body symmetry and self-image of post-mastectomy women. Yet, limited researches concerning the prosthetic effects on biomechanical parameters have been conducted.
Objectives :
1. To evaluate the biomechanical effects and self-perception of EBP on patients with mastectomy. 2. To provide evidence support to the prescription of EBP
Methodology :
Post-mastectomy women with frequent usage of breast prosthesis were recruited. Two conditions: (1) with and (2) without EBP were examined. Participants were asked to perform six tasks on Zebris FDM-T Treadmill: standing (1) with eyes opened and (2) eyes closed ; and (3) walking at self-selected speed on level ground. Visual analog scale was used for data collection in terms of comfort, balance and posture. Paired-t tests were used for statistical analysis.
Result & Outcome :
From January to May 2022, twenty-three post-mastectomy patients were recruited and completed the study in PYNEH P&O department. In eyes opened, COP path length (p=0.048) and COP average velocity (p=0.048) reduced with EBP. However, no significant difference was shown in 95% confidence ellipse area. In eyes closed, all measured parameters (95% confidence ellipse area (p=0.006), COP path length (p=0.042) and COP average velocity (p=0.032)) reduced with EBP. Smaller values were found in all measured variables with EBP when standing. This implied that EBP might improve standing balance by compensating the removed tissue on the amputated side. In walking, stride length (p=0.000), step length (p=0.000) and gait velocity (p=0.000) were increased whereas time of swing phase (p=0.003) and maximum gait line velocity (p=0.000) were reduced with prosthetic intervention. For subjective information, higher scores were observed in postural (p=0.011) and balance (p=0.000), while no significant difference was noted in comfort. In walking, changes in gait parameters were supported by previous studies and could be explained by individuals' perception. Findings in self-perceived parameters matched the objective results. The prescription of EBP can be beneficial to post-mastectomy women by improving stability and gait parameters.
