Motor control retraining for shoulder dysfunction after mastectomy

Motor Control Retraining Exercises On Shoulder Dysfunction Post Mastectomy

The study will test whether adding motor control retraining to usual physical therapy helps women aged 40–55 with shoulder dysfunction after mastectomy improve movement, strength, and reduce pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (Giza)
• Trial ID: NCT07002983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 60 women aged 40-55 with shoulder dysfunction 2-4 months after modified radical mastectomy or axillary lymph node dissection at Cairo University. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either motor control retraining of the scapular musculature plus conventional physical therapy or conventional physical therapy alone, delivered three times weekly for eight weeks. Primary outcomes include shoulder strength (hand-held dynamometer), shoulder range and scapular rotation (digital inclinometer), and shoulder pain and disability (SPADI), measured before and after the intervention. The intervention group will receive longer sessions (45–60 minutes) focused on muscle recruitment and scapular kinematics while controls receive standard mobilization, stretching, and ROM exercises for 30 minutes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 40-55 with shoulder dysfunction 2-4 months after modified radical mastectomy or axillary lymph node dissection who can attend outpatient sessions three times weekly and have completed their chemo/radiotherapy are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, prior shoulder surgery, neurological disorders, diabetes, moderate to severe lymphedema, recent shoulder trauma, or those outside the 40-55 age range are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce shoulder pain and improve strength and range of motion after mastectomy, speeding functional recovery and daily activity performance.

How similar studies have performed: Scapular motor control and strengthening programs have shown benefit in shoulder impingement and other non-cancer shoulder disorders, but rigorous quantitative evidence specifically after mastectomy is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The subject selection will be according to the following criteria:

  * Female patients with age range between 40-55 years.
  * All patients have shoulder dysfunction.
  * Patients were 2 months to 4 months post modified radical mastectomy or axillary lymph node dissection.
  * Patients received their radiotherapy or chemotherapy or both.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The potential participants will be excluded if they meet one of the following criteria:

  * Rheumatoid arthritis.
  * History of trauma or accidental injuries.
  * Neurological involvement (stroke, Parkinsonism).
  * History of surgery on involved shoulder.
  * Diabetic patient.
  * Moderate and severe lymphoedema.

Where this trial is running

Giza

• Cairo University — Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Esraa Tarek, PhD — Teaching assistant physical therapy for surgery cairo university
• Study coordinator: Esraa Tarek, PhD

Conditions Post Mastectomy; motor control; shoulder dysfunction; post mastectomy