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Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Cancer

Date Submitted: May 21, 2025
Date Accepted: Dec 16, 2025

The final, peer-reviewed published version of this preprint can be found here:

Advanced Clinical-Based Technologies for Monitoring Physical Function in Breast Cancer Survivors: Scoping Review

Azhdar M, Loyola-Sanchez A, Wardrop A, Ferguson-Pell M

Advanced Clinical-Based Technologies for Monitoring Physical Function in Breast Cancer Survivors: Scoping Review

JMIR Cancer 2026;12:e77894

DOI: 10.2196/77894

PMID: 41534077

PMCID: 12853085

Advanced Clinical-Based Technologies for Monitoring Physical Function in Breast Cancer Survivors: Scoping Review

  • Mahtab Azhdar; 
  • Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez; 
  • Amber Wardrop; 
  • Martin Ferguson-Pell

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Individuals surviving breast cancer often face long-term impairments in physical function, significantly impacting their quality of life. Conventional clinical assessments frequently lack the precision and real-time feedback necessary for comprehensive evaluation.

Objective:

Objective:

This scoping review aims to systematically explore and map the use of advanced clinical-based technologies for monitoring physical functions such as balance, strength, and range of motion (ROM) in breast cancer survivors, identifying current practices and literature gaps.

Methods:

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving adults with breast cancer using advanced clinical-based technologies for monitoring physical function. Screening and selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Data extraction captured study characteristics, participant demographics, technologies used, and key findings.

Results:

Results:

The 17 included studies, involving 720 participants aged 30 to 75 years, demonstrated a growing interest in this field, with 11 studies published after 2017. Technologies spanned balance platforms (force plates, Sensory Organization Test, markerless motion capture), isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex systems), and motion capture or inclinometer–based ROM assessment (e.g., Kinect, digital inclinometers). Inclinometers dominated clinical ROM measurements, while markerless systems demonstrated promising reliability and portability. Biodex systems provide precise strength metrics but remain costly. Force plates and Sensory Organization Test dominated balance assessments.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: Advanced clinical–based technologies enhance objectivity and precision in assessing physical function among breast cancer survivors, yet standardization across tools is lacking. Standardizing these tools and methodologies is essential for broader clinical adoption. Future research should prioritize consensus-building and longitudinal applications to facilitate routine clinical integration and optimize survivorship care.


 Citation

Please cite as:

Azhdar M, Loyola-Sanchez A, Wardrop A, Ferguson-Pell M

Advanced Clinical-Based Technologies for Monitoring Physical Function in Breast Cancer Survivors: Scoping Review

JMIR Cancer 2026;12:e77894

DOI: 10.2196/77894

PMID: 41534077

PMCID: 12853085

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