Resisted deep breathing with myofascial release for post‑mastectomy lymphedema and chest pain
Official title: Combined Effect of Resisted Deep Breathing and Myofascial Release on Pain, Respiratory Efficiency, Chest Mobility and Lymph Edema in Postmastectomy
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07576270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try adding resisted deep breathing to myofascial release for people with post‑mastectomy lymphedema to see if it lowers pain and improves breathing and chest mobility.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, Radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07576270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women at least six months after unilateral mastectomy who finished chemotherapy and radiation at least three months earlier and who have pain with early (stage 1) or no lymphedema and limited shoulder mobility are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bilateral breast surgery or bilateral lymphadenectomy, shoulder conditions that require surgery, recent musculoskeletal injury in adjacent areas, open upper‑limb wounds, circulatory disorders, or prior shoulder surgery for non‑breast‑cancer reasons are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 48 participants and is planned to be conducted at Riphah Medical Center in Lahore. Participants will be randomized to two groups: one receiving myofascial release plus baseline transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and the other receiving myofascial release combined with resisted deep breathing plus the same baseline TENS, delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), chest/limb circumferential measurements for chest mobility and lymphedema, and spirometry for respiratory efficiency, with data analyzed using SPSS. Non‑probability convenience sampling will be used for recruitment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined therapy could reduce pain, improve respiratory function and chest mobility, and help control early lymphedema.
How similar studies have gone: Smaller studies have shown benefits from myofascial release or breathing exercises for post‑surgical pain and mobility, but combining resisted deep breathing with myofascial release is relatively novel with limited high‑quality evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Radiation therapy and chemotherapy was finished at least three months * 6 months after mastectomy for breast cancer being diagnosed without lymphedema or with stage 1 lymphedema * Complete unilateral Mastectomy * pain and having one or more of the following symptoms: heaviness, numbness, oppression, stiffness, alterations in the function, or mobility of the limited shoulder range of motion. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of shoulder pathologies for which surgical indications exist * Musculoskeletal injury in adjacent areas (shoulder or neck etc.) * bilateral surgery for the treatment of breast cancer * Bilateral lymphadenectomy * Open wounds on upper limbs * Circulatory disorders * History of shoulder surgery for reasons other than breast cancer.
Where it's running
-
Riphah medical center
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: hina gul, PhD* — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran amjad
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.