Objective: Muscle strength assessment in cancer rehabilitation is normally performed using the one repetition maximum (1RM) strength test for several muscle groups. 1RM testing is not easy in a clinical setting; and therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the test-retest reliability and the relation to 1RM muscle strength of functional movement tests in a group of diverse cancer patients, curatively treated with chemotherapy.
Material and Methods: The study sample included 26 participants, of whom 13 were post-chemotherapy patients and 13 were healthy controls (mean±SD); age 45.9±13.6 years; weight 80.2±12.7 kg; BMI 26.4±3.77; leg press 1RM strength value/kg 2.06±0.70. The following tests were performed-the vertical jump test, stair-climb test, 5-times chair-rise test, 30-seconds chair rise, push-up test, and hand grip strength test and the results were correlated with the leg press 1RM strength values. The tests were performed twice with a minimum gap of seven days in between.
Results: The control group showed significantly better results in the 1RM strength tests and most other tests than the post-chemotherapy group. The vertical jump test results showed the best correlation with leg press strength, and the push-up test variable showed the best correlation with upper extremity 1RM strength.
Conclusion: The vertical jump and push-up tests are the most valid in the clinical setting. These tests assist exercise physicians in determining muscle strength at various stages of the cancer process and rehabilitation, which help specify training goals individually for each patient.
Cite this article as: van Soom T, Gebruers N, Tjalma W, Schep G, van Breda E. Physical Testing in Cancer Patients: Practical Testing in a Clinical Setting. Arch Health Sci Res. 2021;8(2):77-88.