Therapies for shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer-related lymphedema

Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Activity Oriented Antiedema Proprioceptive Therapy on Shoulder Dysfunction Post Matectomy Lymphedema

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06602180

This study is testing different therapy combinations to see if they can help women with shoulder problems caused by lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment93 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06602180 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves ninety-three female patients experiencing shoulder dysfunction due to breast cancer-related arm lymphedema. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each receiving different combinations of scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, activity-oriented antiedema proprioceptive therapy (TAPA), and conventional physiotherapy through complex decongestive therapy (CDT). The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapeutic approaches in alleviating shoulder dysfunction and reducing edema.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 40-60 with unilateral breast cancer and shoulder dysfunction due to lymphedema.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral lymphedema, active infections, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve shoulder function and reduce lymphedema symptoms in women post-mastectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While similar therapeutic approaches have been explored, this specific combination of interventions is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The subject selection will be according to the following criteria:

* Age range between 40-60 years.
* Only female patients will participate in the study.
* All female patients diagnosed as unilateral breast cancer.
* All Female patients operated on for BC with BCRL in stages I and II.
* All female patients suffering from shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer-related arm lymphedema.
* All patients enrolled to the study will have their informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

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

* Patients with health problems, diseases or dysfunctions that prevented them from participating in the intervention.
* Patients with bilateral lymphedema.
* Patients with previous primary lymphedema.
* Patients with metastasis.
* Patients whom staging was not possible due to atypical findings or poor image.
* Patients with active arm infection.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Upper Limb Edema
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.