Background and Purpose: Radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy are common treatments for breast cancer and result in side effects, many of which may decrease balance. The primary purpose of this study was to compare changes in balance over four month in women treated with a taxane-based chemotherapy regimen. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with taxane-based chemotherapy and 18 women without history of breast cancer or chemotherapy treatments underwen balance and function testing at baseline (T1) and four months later (T2). the primary outcome measure was the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (Modified CTSIB). Secondary outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and the Physical Performance Test (PPT). Results: Breast Cancer participants had significantly lower scores on the Modified CTSIB at T1. Four of sixteen women treated with chemotherapy reported falls during the later chemotherapy cycles. Three women reported three falls each. The four-month change scores for the PPT were significantly different between groups. Group differences in the TUG and BBS were not significantly different. Conclusion: Women treated with taxane-based chemotherapy had significant balance impairements one month following treatments and reported falls during later cycles. By recognizing individuals at risk for falls, health care providers can implement screening tools and treatment strategies to decrease risk of falls during chemotherapy, maintain or improve functional status, and reduce the risk for chronic physical impairments.
