Shoulder pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations are common complications following unilateral mastectomy, often leading to long-term disability and an increased risk of secondary shoulder-hand syndrome
Shoulder pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations are common complications following unilateral mastectomy, often leading to long-term disability and an increased risk of secondary shoulder-hand syndrome. Conventional physiotherapy provides general postoperative rehabilitation but may not adequately address altered scapulothoracic mechanics or psychological factors that contribute to persistent dysfunction. Targeted scapular and shoulder exercises may enhance clinical recovery; however, high-quality evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
33
Interventions 1\. Scapular and Shoulder Exercise Program (Intervention Group) Supervision and Duration * 3 sessions/week * 45-60 minutes per session * Total duration: 8 weeks (24 sessions) * Conducted by physiotherapists with ≥5 years of musculoskeletal oncology rehabilitation experience (10). Exercise Components The program consists of five progressive phases: Phase 1: Mobility and Motor Control (Week 1-2) * Pendulum exercises * Active-assisted ROM using pulleys or wand * Scapular clocks and gentle setting exercises * Pectoralis minor and posterior capsule stretching * Deep breathing and thoracic mobilization exercises Phase 2: Early Scapular Activation (Week 2-3) * Scapular retraction with tactile cueing * Serratus anterior low-load activation (wall slides, punches without resistance) * Lower trapezius recruitment in prone position * Active ROM to 120° flexion/abduction Phase 3: Functional Strengthening (Week 3-5) * Resistance-band exercises (yellow to red): * External rotation * Flex
Hany elgohary
Jerash, Jordan
Shoulder Function
Shoulder Function 1. DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) * Reliable in post-mastectomy populations. * Range: 0 (best) to 100 (worst). 2. Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) * Measured using a calibrated universal goniometer * Movements: flexion, abduction, external and internal rotation * Three trials averaged for analysis
Time frame: 8 weeks
Secondary out come
Pain Intensity • Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10) at rest and during movement 2. Incidence of Secondary Shoulder-Hand Syndrome (SHS) Diagnosis based on recognized clinical criteria: * Continuous upper limb pain * Diffuse edema of hand/fingers * Stiffness of wrist/hand joints * Trophic skin changes (temperature, sweating, glossy skin) * Reduced grip strength * Symptoms persisting \> 2 weeks Diagnosis will be made by an oncologic rehabilitation specialist. 3. Muscle Strength * Shoulder flexors, abductors, and external rotators * Measured using portable hand-held dynamometry (HHD) * Three trials with 1-minute rest 4. Quality of Life * EORTC QLQ-BR23 (breast cancer-specific module) 5. Shoulder Mobility Patterns * Observed scapulohumeral rhythm * Documented using a standardized clinical checklist
Time frame: 16weeks
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