Visual biofeedback versus conventional physiotherapy for shoulder recovery after breast cancer surgery
Effectiveness of a Visual Biofeedback Program Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Shoulder Mobility, Strength, and Function in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery
This program will test whether adding visual biofeedback to standard physiotherapy helps women after breast cancer surgery improve shoulder mobility, strength, and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Extremadura Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Badajoz, Badajoz) |
| Trial ID | NCT07542106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this randomized, controlled intervention, women who had breast cancer surgery within the past six months will be assigned to eight weeks of conventional physiotherapy with or without added visual biofeedback using the MotionGuidance system. Both groups receive the same treatment dose and exercises; the experimental arm receives real‑time visual feedback to guide movement and motor control. Objective outcomes include shoulder range of motion, strength, functional performance, electromyography (EMG), and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂). The trial seeks both clinical outcome differences and mechanistic insights into neuromuscular adaptations to biofeedback-enhanced rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18 or older within six months of breast cancer surgery who have shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, strength deficits, or functional limitations and who can follow study instructions are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with metastasis, severe post‑surgical complications, stage III–IV lymphedema, neurological disorders affecting the arm, major unrelated shoulder disease, or those already in other rehabilitation programs are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding visual biofeedback could speed or increase recovery of shoulder movement, strength, and everyday function after breast cancer surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional physiotherapy is well supported for post‑breast surgery shoulder problems, but randomized evidence specifically testing visual biofeedback in this population is limited and preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 years or older * History of breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery within the last 6 months) * Presence of shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, strength deficit, or functional limitation * Ability to understand and follow study instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of metastasis * Post-surgical complications contraindicating exercise * Severe lymphedema (Stage III or IV) * Neurological disorders affecting the upper limb * Severe musculoskeletal shoulder conditions unrelated to breast cancer * Participation in other rehabilitation programs
Where this trial is running
Badajoz, Badajoz
- Facultad de Mecina y Ciencias de la Salud — Badajoz, Badajoz, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mª Dolores MDAA Apolo-Arenas, PhD
- Email: mdapolo@unex.es
- Phone: 924489180
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.