Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in Upper Extremity Lymphedema

Официальное название

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

Обзор

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.

Подробное описание

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.

Вмешательства

• Процедура 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.
• Поведенческое 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.

Первичные конечные точки

• Change in Upper Extremity Function [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]
• Change in Head Anterior Translation [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]
• Change in Shoulder Height Asymmetry [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.]
• Change in Shoulder Anterior Translation [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.]

Вторичные конечные точки (1)

• Change in Scapular Muscle Strength [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• 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.

Критерии исключения

• 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.

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Нет

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Простое слепое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 центр

• Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi — Adana

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT07697495 · 25.02.2026-1214/23

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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