Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in Upper Extremity Lymphedema
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Complex Decongestive Therapy, Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Secondary Lymphedema. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effects of Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training Added to Standard Lymphedema Care on Muscle Strength, Posture and Functional Outcomes in Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
This single-center randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of adding scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training to standard lymphedema care in women with secondary upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard lymphedema care alone or standard care combined with scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Outcomes including scapular muscle strength, posture, upper extremity function, limb volume, and neck awareness will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of incorporating targeted stabilization and postural exercises into conventional lymphedema rehabilitation.
Detailed description
Secondary upper extremity lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment and is characterized by chronic swelling, pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired upper extremity function, and postural alterations. These impairments may negatively affect daily activities, body perception, and quality of life. Although Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard for lymphedema management, conventional treatment primarily focuses on edema reduction and does not specifically address scapular stability, postural alignment, or neuromuscular control.
Altered scapulothoracic biomechanics and postural dysfunction are frequently observed in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema. These impairments may contribute to shoulder dysfunction, muscle weakness, compensatory movement patterns, and persistent functional limitations. Scapulothoracic stabilization exercises aim to restore scapular muscle balance and improve dynamic shoulder stability, whereas postural training promotes optimal alignment and body awareness. The combined application of these interventions may enhance functional recovery beyond the effects of standard CDT alone; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials remains limited.
This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training to standard lymphedema care in women with secondary upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group receiving standard lymphedema care or an intervention group receiving standard care plus scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated allocation sequence, and all outcome assessments will be conducted by a blinded assessor.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes will include scapular muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2), postural alignment assessed using the PostureScreen application, upper extremity function evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, limb volume calculated from serial circumference measurements, and neck awareness assessed using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ). The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical benefits of incorporating targeted scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training into conventional lymphedema rehabilitation and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation protocols for breast cancer survivors.
Interventions
- Procedure Complex Decongestive Therapy
Standard Complex Decongestive Therapy consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and therapeutic exercises. Treatment will be delivered according to established clinical guidelines and routine lymphedema rehabilitation protocols. - Behavioral Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training
A supervised exercise program consisting of scapulothoracic stabilization exercises and postural training designed to improve scapular muscle strength, postural alignment, and upper extremity function. The program will be provided in addition to standard Complex Decongestive Therapy throughout the treatment period.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Upper Extremity Function [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]
- Change in Head Anterior Translation [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]
- Change in Shoulder Height Asymmetry [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.]
- Change in Shoulder Anterior Translation [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Change in Scapular Muscle Strength [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Female patients aged 18 to 65 years.
- Diagnosed with secondary upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer surgery (mastectomy).
- Willing to participate in the study.
- Able to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Active infection (e.g., cellulitis or lymphangitis).
- Advanced shoulder or cervical pathology.
- Neurological disorders affecting upper extremity function.
- Metastatic disease.
- Receiving active chemotherapy.
- Participation in another intensive lymphedema rehabilitation program within the previous 3 months.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi — Adana
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07697495 · 25.02.2026-1214/23