Exercises to improve balance in women with lymphedema after breast surgery

Effect of Closed Kinetic Chain and Weight Shifting Exercises on Postural Stability in Unilateral Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

This study tests whether specific balance exercises can help women with swelling after breast surgery improve their stability and quality of life.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Cairo University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Giza)
• Trial ID: NCT06977620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of closed kinetic chain (CKC) and weight shifting (WS) exercises on postural stability in women suffering from unilateral post-mastectomy lymphedema. Sixty participants aged 40 to 60 will be randomly assigned to four groups: one receiving CKC exercises, another receiving WS exercises, a third group receiving both types of exercises, and a control group receiving only complex decongestive therapy (CDT). Each exercise group will engage in their respective exercises three times a week for eight weeks, aiming to enhance their balance and overall quality of life post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 40-60 who have experienced unilateral mastectomy and have moderate lymphedema.

Not a fit: Patients with metastases, significant orthopedic or neurological conditions, or those who have undergone bilateral mastectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve postural stability and quality of life for patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of CKC and WS exercises in the context of post-mastectomy lymphedema is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Women who had a history of BCRS with upper limb lymphedema. • Age range of 40-60 years.

• The body mass index (BMI) is less than 30 Kg/m2.

• Consciousness and ability to communicate orally or in writing.

• Treatment by unilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection.

• No obvious abnormal spine morphology or postural abnormalities visible to the naked eye.

• All participants had moderate lymphedema according to the lymphedema severity assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with metastases. • Differences between lower limb length.

• Having acute or chronic vestibular, neurological, and orthopedic diseases.

• Surgery related to spine causing limitation of motion.

• Women with psychiatric disorders, reconstructive surgery.

• Bilateral mastectomy. Diagnosis with a neurological, skeletal, or rheumatic disorder or other disease that seriously affects body posture.

• History of bodily injury such as a spinal, shoulder, or neck injury, resulting in permanent alteration of the normal body posture prior to the unilateral mastectomy.

• Failure to complete follow-up for any reason over the course of the study.

• Peripheral polyneuropathy, cognitive dysfunction.

• Patients taking medication that affects body balance.

• Severe arthritis or orthopedic conditions in their lower extremity

• Poor conditioning, acute pain in any reason,

• Neurological disorders including visual problems.

Where this trial is running

Giza

• Cairo University — Giza, Egypt (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Aya Kamal, PHD — Teaching Assistant of Physical Therapy for Surgery Cairo University Egypt
• Study coordinator: Aya Kamal, PHD

Conditions: Postmastectomy Lymphedema, postural stability, closed kinetic chain exercises, weight shifting exercises