Combining motor imagery and watching action videos to improve upper‑limb function in female breast cancer survivors
Effectiveness of Combined Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Improving Pain, Range of Motion, and Upper Limb Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors. Efectividad de Las Terapias de imaginería Motora y observación de la acción en la Mejora Del Dolor, la Movilidad y el Linfedema de la Extremidad Superior en Supervivientes de cáncer de Mama.
NA · Fundacion Miguel Servet · NCT07067710
This trial will test whether combining motor imagery with watching action videos can help improve arm strength, range of motion, pain, swelling, or fear of movement in women who have completed breast cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Fundacion Miguel Servet (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Pamplona, Navarre and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07067710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing an intervention program that pairs action observation (watching videos of upper‑limb movements) with motor imagery and actual practice, versus usual care. Female breast cancer survivors with upper‑limb pain, functional limitation, or lymphedema who have finished active treatment will be enrolled and randomly assigned. Outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention using tools such as a dynamometer for strength, a goniometer for range of motion, a Visual Analogue Scale for pain, limb diameter measures, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Investigators will compare changes between the intervention and control groups to see if the combined protocol produces greater functional gains.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women over 18 who have completed active breast cancer treatment and have upper‑limb pain, functional limitation, or lymphedema are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Men, people still receiving active cancer treatment, those with recurrent or metastatic disease, or patients without upper‑limb symptoms are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this combined therapy could reduce pain and fear of movement and improve arm strength, range of motion, and functional use of the affected limb for survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Motor imagery and action observation have shown benefit in stroke and orthopedic rehabilitation, but combined protocols in breast cancer survivor populations remain relatively novel with limited prior trial data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, over 18 years, have suffered breast cancer, have ended active treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery), have pain or functional limitation or lymphedema at upper limb afected. Exclusion Criteria: * males, people with active treatments ongoning, other types of cancer, recurrence or metastasis of cancer
Where this trial is running
Pamplona, Navarre and 2 other locations
- Public University of Navarre — Pamplona, Navarre, Spain (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Public University of Navarre — Pamplona, Navarre, Spain (RECRUITING)
- Public University of Navarre — Pamplona, Navarre, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pilar Arnal-Vallés, Candidate PhD — Hospital of Navarra
- Study coordinator: Pilar Arnal-Vallés, Candidate PhD
- Email: pilararnal3b@gmail.com
- Phone: +34 948166117
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Survivor, Motor imagery, Action observation