Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the relative (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) and absolute (minimum detectable dif-ference, MDD and standard error of measurement, SEM) reliability for shoulder range of motion (ROM) and handgrip strength in adult women breast cancer survivors. Thirty-four participants (n=17 in the control group, CG; n=17 in the postoperative breast cancer group, GPO) were evaluated for shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation ROM, and handgrip strength to obtain the degree of intra-rater intra-day reliability. The GPO obtained high reliability in the ROM (ICC=0.93-0.97; MDD: 3.85 degrees-12.7 degrees; SEM: 1.66 degrees-5.47 degrees) and in the handgrip strength (ICC= 0.95; MDD=0.71Kgf; SEM: 8.89Kgf). The CG presented moderate to high reliability in the ROM of both extremities (ICC= 0.77 degrees-0.98 degrees; MDD: 5.33 degrees-10.51 degrees; SEM: 2.3 degrees-4.53 degrees) and handgrip strength (CCI: 0.84-0.91 KgF; MDD: 3.6-3.72 Kgf; SEM: 1.55-1.61 Kgf). The results of this study suggest that the intra-rater reliability for evalua-tion of shoulder ROM and handgrip strength in post-operative breast cancer women compared to a control group has high reliability. These results reinforce the application of these evaluations in the clinical practice of the Physiotherapist and other health professionals in patients operated on for breast cancer.