Effects of Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy and Active Release Technique on Shoulder Pain, Lymphedema, and Functional Disability in Post-Mastectomy Patients.
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: Active release technique, Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction. Basic parameters: 40 years — 65 years · Male.
- 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
- Pakistan
- 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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Overview
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of visual-feedback induced therapy and Active Release Technique on shoulder pain, lymphedema, and functional disability in post-mastectomy patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy combined with Active Release Technique or conventional physiotherapy combined with visual-feedback therapy. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.
Detailed description
Post-mastectomy patients frequently experience shoulder pain, restricted mobility, and lymphedema, leading to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy provides partial relief; however, innovative approaches such as visual-feedback therapy (mirror therapy) and Active Release Technique may offer improved outcomes. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these interventions in improving pain, limb swelling, and upper-limb function. The findings may help identify optimal rehabilitation strategies for breast cancer survivors.
Interventions
- Other Active release technique
Participants in the experiment group 1 will receive a combination of conventional physiotherapy and Active Release Technique (ART) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, over 6 consecutive weeks. The conventional physiotherapy includes hot pack therapy for 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility, followed by 25-30 minutes of exercise therapy. Exercises target shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation), strengthening of rotator cuff and scapu - Other Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy
Participants in the experimental group 2 will receive the same conventional physiotherapy as the experimental group 1, plus Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy (VFIT) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, for 6 weeks. VFIT uses mirror during shoulder and upper-limb exercises, allowing patients to observe the unaffected limb performing movements while performing symmetrical movements with the affected limb. Exercises focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, and functional reachi
Primary outcome measures
- Pain intensity [Time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks.]
- Shoulder pain and disability [Time frame: From baseline to 6 weeks.]
- Limb volume [Time frame: From baseline to 6 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Female patients aged 40-65 years.
- History of unilateral mastectomy performed at least 2 months prior.
- Persistent shoulder pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale 4-7).
- Reduced shoulder range of motion or functional limitation affecting daily activities.
- Mild to moderate lymphedema of the affected upper limb .
Exclusion criteria
- History of neurological disorders affecting motor function (e.g., stroke, MS).
- Previous shoulder surgery unrelated to mastectomy.
- Active infection or open wounds in the affected limb.
- Already developed frozen shoulder in diabetic patient.
- Severe lymphedema requires intensive medical management.
- Cognitive impairment prevents participation in therapy.
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
Pakistan · 1 center
- University of biological and applied sciences — Lahore
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07719725 · UBAS/ERB/26/043010