Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in Upper Extremity Lymphedema
ConditionSecondary Lymphedema
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18-65
SponsorToros University
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
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.
Disqualifiers
Active infection (e.g., cellulitis or lymphangitis).
Advanced shoulder or cervical pathology.
Neurological disorders affecting upper extremity function.
Metastatic disease.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Complex Decongestive Therapy
Procedure/SurgeryStandard 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.
Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training
BehavioralA 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.
Treatment groups
60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Scapulothoracic StabilizationExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: ControlActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Upper Extremity Function
Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The DASH is a validated 30-item patient-reported outcome measure evaluating symptoms and functional limitations of the upper extremity. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment2
Change in Head Anterior Translation
Head anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment3
Change in Shoulder Height Asymmetry
Shoulder height asymmetry will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.4
Change in Shoulder Anterior Translation
Shoulder anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.Secondary outcomes
1
Change in Scapular Muscle Strength
Scapular muscle strength (upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles) will be measured using a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2) with the isometric make-test method.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatmentSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov