NCT07019311

Effect of Thera-Band Versus Swiss Ball Exercises on Postural Stability in Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 30 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of Thera-band exercises versus Swiss ball exercises on postural stability in unilateral post mastectomy lymphedema.

Detailed description

The need for this study develops from the lack of information in the published studies about the effectiveness of Thera-band exercises and Swiss ball exercise on balance in unilateral post mastectomy lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition associated with functional impairment of the body segment. The asymmetry between hemi Corp related to the range of motion, muscle strength, sensory stimuli and volume, reduce the ability to perceive and integrate information on the maintenance of the center of gravity and postural balance. The damage in the balance of patients with breast cancer is pointed out in the literature and is related to factors related to surgical intervention, adjuvant treatment, or even unilateral asymmetry caused by upper limb lymphedema. Core stability exercises improve neuromuscular system performance that causes the optimal lumbar-pelvic -hip chain mobility and good acceleration and deceleration, appropriate muscular balance, proximal stability and good function. Progressive resistance training interventions designed to increase strength and reduce the falls in elderly were effective in reducing both rate of falls and risk of falling, especially when some form of balance exercise was an integral part of the program. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Thera-band exercises versus Swiss ball exercises on balance in unilateral post mastectomy lymphedema.

Conditions

• Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Thera-Band exercises	Participants in the first experimental group performed a Thera-Band exercise program 3 sessions weekly, for 8 weeks with progressive resistance, divided into four 2-week phases. Each 60-minute session included a 10-min warm-up (walking, jogging, and calisthenics), 45-min Thera-Band exercises, and 5-min cool-down. Phase 1 focused on major muscle groups (e.g., shoulder press, biceps curl). Phase 2 included trunk and leg-focused moves (e.g., reverse flies, lunge). Phase 3 added advanced resistance (e.g., chest press, deadlift). Phase 4 targeted core and lower body (e.g., diagonal chop, squat). Exercises changed every phase to progressively strengthen different muscle groups.
OTHER	Swiss ball exercises	Participants in the second experimental group performed Swiss ball exercises 3 sessions weekly, for 8 weeks. Exercises included warm-up (15-5 mins), core Swiss ball training (progressing from 1 to 4 sets), and cool-down. Each session focused on abdominal, back, leg, trunk, and balance training using varied exercises performed for 30 seconds with rest. Exercise intensity ranged from 80-95% of max effort, increasing weekly. The Swiss ball size was selected based on patient height to ensure proper posture. Sessions gradually increased in duration and difficulty, ending with breathing and stretching for recovery.
OTHER	Traditional physical therapy program	Participants in both experimental groups performed a traditional physical therapy program in the form of complex decongestive physical therapy(CDPT), including (manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise and skin care) and balance training, 3 sessions weekly, for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-11
• Primary completion: 2025-10-11
• Completion: 2025-10-31
• First posted: 2025-06-13
• Last updated: 2025-06-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt