Assessment of postural balance in women treated for breast cancer

Abstract

Background and objectives: Surgery is the primary and most effective treatment of breast cancer. Unilateral mastectomy disrupts the distribution of muscle tension between the right and the left sides of the body. The aim of the study was to evaluate postural balance in patients treated for breast cancer by mastectomy. Materials and methods: A controlled clinical study was conducted on 90 patients who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer (mastectomy) 5–6 years prior (Breast Group—BG). The control group (CG) consisted of 74 healthy female volunteers. Analysis of balance was performed using the Alfa stabilography platform. A static test (Romberg’s test) with open and closed eyes was used to assess balance. The following balance parameters were analyzed: path length, statokinesigram area, parameters of deflection and velocity of the foot pressure center. Results: The study demonstrated that patients from BG (5–6 years after surgery) obtained worse results in both tests with open (maximum back deviation, maximum forward deviation, average Y deviation, average Y velocity, path length and path surface area) (p < 0.05) as well as with closed eyes (maximum backward deviation, maximum forward deviation, mean Y deviation and path length) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that women 5–6 years after surgery for breast cancer have impaired balance compared to healthy women, despite physiotherapy.