RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GRIP STRENGTH, QUADRICEPS MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CANCER PATIENTS

Purpose: Although muscle strength and quality of life in cancer patients were adversely affected, studies investigating the relationship level are limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between grip strength, quadriceps muscle strength, and quality of life in cancer patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients who received inpatient treatment at Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital were included in the study. Grip strength and quadriceps muscle strength were assessed using a hand-held digital dynamometer. Quality of life was determined using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) which consists of three subheadings: functional performance, symptom, and general health. Results: The mean age of the patients who participated in the study were 45.57 +/- 16.87 years. There was a significant correlation between grip strength and functional performance (r=0.647, p=0.001) and symptom (r=-0.540, p=0.002). Quadriceps muscle strength was significantly associated with functional performance (r=0.623, p=0.001) and symptom (r=-0.406, p=0.010). There were no significant relationships between general health and grip strength and quadriceps muscle strength (p>0.05). Conclusion: Higher muscle strength level in patients was associated with better functional capacity and these patients had more independent daily life. It was observed that patients with high muscle strength had lower symptoms due to cancer and side effects of treatments. Physical activity programs that may increase muscle strength in cancer patients are thought to be effective not only in increasing functional capacity but also in decreasing symptoms in cancer patients.