NCT07478718

Shoulder Exercise Training on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Limitations in Women Following Unilateral Mastectomy

Effect of Targeted Scapular and Shoulder Exercise Training on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Limitations in Women Following Unilateral Mastectomy "Randomized Controlled Trial"

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 33 (estimated)
• Sponsor: South Valley University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 30 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Shoulder pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations are common complications following unilateral mastectomy, often leading to long-term disability and an increased risk of secondary shoulder-hand syndrome

Detailed description

Shoulder pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations are common complications following unilateral mastectomy, often leading to long-term disability and an increased risk of secondary shoulder-hand syndrome. Conventional physiotherapy provides general postoperative rehabilitation but may not adequately address altered scapulothoracic mechanics or psychological factors that contribute to persistent dysfunction. Targeted scapular and shoulder exercises may enhance clinical recovery; however, high-quality evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited

Conditions

• Women Following Unilateral Mastectomy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Interventions 1. Scapular and Shoulder Exercise Program (Intervention Group) Supervision and Duration • 3 sessions/week • 45-60 minutes per session • Total duration: 8 weeks (24 sessions) • Conducted	Interventions 1\. Scapular and Shoulder Exercise Program (Intervention Group) Supervision and Duration * 3 sessions/week * 45-60 minutes per session * Total duration: 8 weeks (24 sessions) * Conducted by physiotherapists with ≥5 years of musculoskeletal oncology rehabilitation experience (10). Exercise Components The program consists of five progressive phases: Phase 1: Mobility and Motor Control (Week 1-2) * Pendulum exercises * Active-assisted ROM using pulleys or wand * Scapular clocks and gentle setting exercises * Pectoralis minor and posterior capsule stretching * Deep breathing and thoracic mobilization exercises Phase 2: Early Scapular Activation (Week 2-3) * Scapular retraction with tactile cueing * Serratus anterior low-load activation (wall slides, punches without resistance) * Lower trapezius recruitment in prone position * Active ROM to 120° flexion/abduction Phase 3: Functional Strengthening (Week 3-5) * Resistance-band exercises (yellow to red): * External rotation * Flex

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-08-01
• Completion: 2026-08-01
• First posted: 2026-03-17
• Last updated: 2026-03-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Jordan