What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate the responsiveness and minimal important changes (MIC) of three lymphedema assessment tools in breast cancer-related lymphedema.

January 25, 2026

Responsiveness and minimal important changes of a Persian version of Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, Upper Limb Functional Index, and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand in breast cancer-related lymphedema following physiotherapy

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate the responsiveness and minimal important changes (MIC) of three lymphedema assessment tools in breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Analyzed the Persian versions of LLIS, ULFI, and Quick DASH.
Measured outcomes related to lymphedema, upper limb function, and disability.
Conducted the study in patients undergoing physiotherapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
All scales exhibited adequate responsiveness to change after physiotherapy.
Identified MIC values allowed for better detection of meaningful clinical improvements.
Clinicians can use these values to assess treatment efficacy more accurately.

Abstract

The LLIS, ULFI, and Quick DASH demonstrated adequate responsiveness and effectively measured the change in lymphedema, upper limb function, and disability in BCRL patients undergoing physiotherapy intervention. The MIC values reflecting improvement identified for the LLIS, ULFI, and Quick DASH can help clinicians and researchers to detect meaningful change in an individual's clinical status, and to avoid the challenge of either over- or undervaluing treatment efficacy.

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Cite This Study

Eftekhar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6975b26ffeba4585c2d6ddc8 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2615402

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