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This study aimed to translate the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-leg into Korean (K-LYMQOL-leg) and test its reliability and validity. The LYMQOL-leg was translated forward and backward from English to Korean. Fifty-five patients with lower limb lymphedema completed the K-LYMQOL-leg and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) at the first visit, and the K-LYMQOL-leg was re-administered within a week. Reliability was tested by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Cronbach's alpha for each domain. Face validity was evaluated, and concurrent validity was verified by comparing the K-LYMQOL-leg domain scores with the corresponding EORTC-QLQ-C30 and limb volume scales. The known-group construct validity was then assessed. Excellent reliability was confirmed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient, 0.851–0.878) and test-retest reliability (ICC, 0.901–0.936) in the four domains. A significant correlation was confirmed in the appearance domain with limb volume (r = 0.424) and in the other domains [function, symptom, and mood], with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scales (r = −0.779, 0.712, and −0.783). Known-group validity was confirmed in all four domains. The K-LYMQOL-leg verified in this study can be used in clinical practice to evaluate the Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with lymphedema or in research as an outcome. Among cancer treatment-related complications, lymphedema of the lower extremities severely and persistently reduces the health-related quality of life of cancer survivors. The Korean version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-leg (K-LYMQOL-leg) is an easy, reliable and valid questionnaire for patients with lower limb lymphedema. K-LYMQOL-leg will be useful in assessing the quality of life of patients with lower limb lymphedema in a clinical setting or for research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) questionnaire. Methods and Results: This study was a multicentered cross-sectional survey of patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. The LYMQOL-arm questionnaire was translated from English to Korean. This 28-item instrument contains the overall quality of life (QOL) and is categorized into four domains: function, appearance, symptoms, and mood. In addition, the demographics and characteristics of lymphedema were assessed by reviewing the medical records. The LYMQOL-arm, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Breast Cancer Module 23 (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were administered. The internal consistency of the LYMQOL-arm was analyzed using Cronbach's α, and test–retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson's correlation test between the LYMQOL-arm and the EORTC QLQ instruments. A total of 62 participants were enrolled in the study. All domains of the LYMQOL-arm showed high internal consistency, and the ICC of each domain and overall QOL ranged from 0.836 to 0.956 (p < 0.001). All domains and overall QOL scores of the LYMQOL-arm significantly correlated with most of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 scales. Furthermore, it revealed a significant association with the degree of perceived edema. Conclusions: The Korean version of the LYMQOL-arm questionnaire has proven its reliability and validity in assessing QOL in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the increase in the patient survival rates of many types of cancers, a greater proportion of cancer patients live with disease-related problems that diminish their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and rehabilitation of hospitalised cancer patients who were referred to the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) at Samsung Medical Center, a tertiary university hospital in Seoul, Korea.Methods: Hospitalised cancer patients aged > 18 years who were referred to the Department of PRM from January to December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of the patients, the principal reasons for their referral and relevant details of their rehabilitative management.Results: A total of 1,340 cases were included. The most common primary cancer was lung cancer (19.0%) and 28.6% of the cases had solid organ metastasis. The most common reason for referral was deconditioning (31.7%), followed by weakness (23.1%) and respiratory problems (14.5%). Bedside exercise was prescribed to 28.4% of the patients, exercise in the rehabilitation therapy unit to 28.0% and pulmonary rehabilitation to 14.3%. Among the 1,340 cases, 107 (8.0%) were transferred to the Department of PRM for comprehensive rehabilitation. The 32 patients with an identifiable Modified Barthel Index score showed significant functional improvement.Conclusion: The findings of the present study contribute to a better understanding of rehabilitation for hospitalised cancer patients. The information obtained will also be helpful in the development of appropriate cancer rehabilitation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder causes inflammation and adhesions in the shoulder joint capsule, leading to pain and limited range of motion (ROM). Intraarticular corticosteroid (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are common therapeutic options for adhesive capsulitis, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear., Objectives: To provide a robust comparison of the outcomes of HA and CS, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant previous studies that examined the therapeutic effects of intraarticular HA and CS injections in patients with adhesive capsulitis., Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis., Methods: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared the effectiveness of intraarticular HA and CS injections. Of the 10,205 articles, 7 met our predetermined criteria and were included in the analysis., Results: Patients who received CS injections demonstrated superior pain reduction and functional improvement at 2-4 weeks after injection to those who received HA injections. Nevertheless, comparable outcomes were observed between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 weeks. The active or passive range of motion of the shoulder joint was not significantly different between patients who received HA injections and those who received CS injections., Limitations: The meta-analysis included only a small number of studies, and the number of HA injections examined in those studies varied from one to 3 at a time, whereas an CS injection was performed only once in most of the included studies., Conclusions: The administration of intraarticular HA injection emerges as a commendable therapeutic option for patients with adhesive capsulitis, particularly for those requiring repetitive injections or at risk of developing side effects from injections of CS. Although intraarticular CS injections offer accelerated short-term (2-4 weeks) pain relief and functional improvement, comparable effects were observed within 6 and 12 weeks after intraarticular HA and CS injections.

Introduction: With the increase in the patient survival rates of many types of cancers, a greater proportion of cancer patients live with disease-related problems that diminish their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and rehabilitation of hospitalised cancer patients who were referred to the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) at Samsung Medical Center, a tertiary university hospital in Seoul, Korea., Methods: Hospitalised cancer patients aged > 18 years who were referred to the Department of PRM from January to December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of the patients, the principal reasons for their referral and relevant details of their rehabilitative management., Results: A total of 1,340 cases were included. The most common primary cancer was lung cancer (19.0%) and 28.6% of the cases had solid organ metastasis. The most common reason for referral was deconditioning (31.7%), followed by weakness (23.1%) and respiratory problems (14.5%). Bedside exercise was prescribed to 28.4% of the patients, exercise in the rehabilitation therapy unit to 28.0% and pulmonary rehabilitation to 14.3%. Among the 1,340 cases, 107 (8.0%) were transferred to the Department of PRM for comprehensive rehabilitation. The 32 patients with an identifiable Modified Barthel Index score showed significant functional improvement., Conclusion: The findings of the present study contribute to a better understanding of rehabilitation for hospitalised cancer patients. The information obtained will also be helpful in the development of appropriate cancer rehabilitation strategies., (Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association)