Correlation between Arm Girth Measurements and Hand Grip Strength in Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a frequent and debilitating complication following breast cancer treatment. It commonly results in limb swelling, discomfort, and diminished functional capacity of the upper extremity. Although arm circumference and hand grip strength are routinely used as clinical indicators, the association between these two measures has not been thoroughly clarified.Objective: To examine the relationship between upper-limb girth measurements and hand grip strength among women with post-mastectomy lymphedema.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving sixty-six female participants diagnosed with unilateral post-mastectomy lymphedema. Arm circumference was evaluated at predetermined anatomical landmarks, while hand grip strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Pearson’s correlation test was applied to explore the association between both variables.Results: Analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between baseline hand grip strength and girth measurement (r = −0.270, p = 0.028).Conclusions: Greater arm girth is associated with reduced hand grip strength in women with post-mastectomy lymphedema, emphasizing the importance of assessing both limb volume and muscle performance in this population.Keywords: Post-mastectomy lymphedema, arm circumference, hand grip strength, correlation, upper limb function.