Proximal motor control exercises to improve shoulder (scapular) muscle activation after mastectomy

Impact of Proximal Motor Control Exercise on Scapular Muscles Activation Pattern Post Mastectomy

This study tests whether strength and stabilization exercises focused on the shoulder and trunk can improve scapular muscle activation and reduce shoulder problems in women 35–55 after mastectomy.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 35 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Ahram Canadian University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 3 sites (Giza, Giza Governorate and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07103109 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Eighty women aged 35–55 with shoulder dysfunction 3–4 months after mastectomy will be allocated to one of two rehabilitation approaches: a proximal stabilization (motor control) exercise program or conventional physical therapy, with 40 participants per group. Participants will be recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics at Ahram Canadian University, Benha University, and Beni Sueif University and screened for eligibility based on the listed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Scapular muscle activation patterns and clinical shoulder function measures will be recorded before and after the intervention to compare changes between groups. The trial focuses on short-term functional and neuromuscular outcomes related to shoulder control after breast cancer surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 35–55 who are 3–4 months post-mastectomy with documented shoulder dysfunction and who do not have the listed exclusion conditions (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, prior shoulder surgery, neurologic deficits) are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with excluded comorbidities (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, neurologic deficits), prior shoulder surgery or major shoulder trauma, or those outside the specified post-mastectomy window or age range are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the proximal stabilization program could improve scapular muscle activation, reduce shoulder dysfunction, and help patients perform daily activities more easily after mastectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of scapular stabilization and proximal control exercises in breast cancer survivors have shown improvements in shoulder function and muscle activation in small to moderate studies, though results vary and more data are needed.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Post-mastectomy female subjects.
2. Age between 35-55 years.
3. All patients have shoulder dysfunction (three months to four months post mastectomy).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants who have rheumatoid arthritis.
2. History of trauma or injuries.
3. Neurological deficits (stroke, Parkinsonism).
4. History of surgery on involved shoulder.
5. Diabetic patient.
6. Patients who rejected to participate in the trial, or to summit the formal consent form.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Giza Governorate and 2 other locations

• Out patient clinic , faculty of Physical Therapy, Ahram Canadian university — Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
• Out patient clinic , faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha university — Banhā, Qualiobia, Egypt (Withdrawn)
• Out patient clinic , faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Sueif university — Banī Suwayf, Egypt (Withdrawn)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mahmoud Mohamed, Ph.D

Conditions Post Mastectomy; Proximal stabilization