Usefulness of Kinect sensor–based reachable workspace system for assessing upper extremity dysfunction in breast cancer patients

Purpose Recently, t he utility of the Kinect sensor–based reachable workspace analysis system for measuring upper extremity outcomes of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases has been demonstrated. Here, we investigated its usefulness for assessing upper extremity dysfunction in breast cancer patients. Methods Twenty unilateral breast cancer patients were enrolled. Upper extremity active range of motion was captured by the Kinect sensor, and reachable workspace relative surface areas (RSAs) were obtained. The QuickDASH was completed to assess upper extremity disability. General and breast cancer–specific quality of life (QOL) were assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23. Results The total RSA ratio of the affected and unaffected sides ranges from 0.64 to 1.11. Total RSA was significantly reduced on the affected versus unaffected side (0.659 ± 0.105 vs. 0.762 ± 0.065; p = 0.001). Quadrant 1 and 3 RSAs were significantly reduced (0.135 ± 0.039 vs. 0.183 ± 0.040, p < 0.001; 0.172 ± 0.058 vs. 0.217 ± 0.031, p = 0.006). Total RSA of the affected side was strongly correlated with the numeric pain rating scale during movement ( r = − 0.812, p < 0.001) and moderately with the QuickDASH ( r = − 0.494, p = 0.027). Further, quadrant 3 RSA was correlated with EORTC QLQ-C30 role functioning ( r = 0.576, p = 0.008) and EORTC QLQ-BR23 arm symptoms ( r = − 0.588, p = 0.006) scales. Conclusions The Kinect sensor–based reachable workspace analysis system was effectively applied to assess upper extremity dysfunction in breast cancer patients. This system could potentially serve as a quick and simple outcome measure that provides quantitative data for breast cancer patients.