Comparative Effects of Isometrics Versus Range of Motion Exercises on Pain, Mobility and Functional Independence in Post-Mastectomy Patients

NCT07043959 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: TUF/PB/40/1033/40
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of study was to investigate the comparative effectiveness of Isometrics versus Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises on Pain, Mobility and Functional Independence post-mastectomy. A randomized clinical trial was conducted, in which 30 participants were randomly assigned to 2 parallel groups. One group received Isometric Exercises, while the other received Range of Motion Exercises. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion and functional independence. Treatments were administered 3 times per week with 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per day for a duration of eight weeks.

Conditions

Post Mastectomy; Postmastectomy Pain

Keywords

Isometric Exercises; Range of Motion Exercises; Pain; Mobility; Functional Independence; Post-mastectomy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Shoulder Pain

  Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with decreasing values indicates improved patient condition and reduced pain intensity.

  Eight Weeks

• Shoulder ROM

  Goniometer with increasing ROM indicates improved patient condition and joint movements.

  Eight Weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Shoulder Functional Independence

  Eight Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Isometrics Exercise Group A

EXPERIMENTAL

Group A received a hot pack for 10-15 minutes and performed deep breathing exercises for 3-4 repetitions. Patients were instructed in diaphragmatic breathing, where they inhaled deeply, held their breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhaled. Following this, isometric exercises were performed, consisting of 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per set, done three times per week for a total duration of 8 weeks.

Procedure: Isometrics Exercise

Range of Motion Exerccise Group B

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Group B received a hot pack for 10-15 minutes and performed deep breathing exercises for 3-4 repetitions. Patients were guided in diaphragmatic breathing, where they inhaled deeply, held their breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhaled. Afterward, they performed Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, consisting of 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per set, conducted three times per week over a period of 8 weeks.

Procedure: Range of Motion Exercises

Interventions

Isometrics Exercise PROCEDURE

Shoulder Squeeze: The therapist instructed the patient to lift their arms to shoulder height while keeping the elbows bent, then move the arms backward until the shoulder blades come together. Arm Lift to Front and Side: The therapist instructed the patient to raise their arm forward and upward while applying gentle resistance for 2-3 seconds to facilitate front arm elevation. Then, the patient was guided to lift the arm sideways, with slight resistance applied for 2-3 seconds to assist in side-arm elevation.

Isometrics Exercise Group A

Range of Motion Exercises PROCEDURE

Wall Climb for Flexion: The therapist instructed the patient to move their fingers upward along the wall until they reach their limit, then repeat the movement. Arm across Chest for Adduction and Internal Rotation: The therapist instructed the patient to move the affected arm toward the unaffected arm and shoulder. Wand Exercise for Flexion and Abduction: The patient was instructed to hold a wand with both hands and move it forward and sideways toward the affected side

Range of Motion Exerccise Group B

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 45 Years - 65 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Females
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Women between the ages of 45 and 65
• Underwent a one-sided mastectomy
• No history of shoulder injuries
• Able to understand instructions and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Experiencing severe pain
• Diagnosed with advanced lymph edema
• Physically unable to engage in exercises
• Medically unstable

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain

Interventions

Range of Motion, Articular

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Physical Examination; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Dr Izza Ayub; PT

  Department of Rehabilitaion Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 21, 2025
• First Posted: June 29, 2025
• Study Start: February 25, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 25, 2025
• Study Completion: May 25, 2025
• Last Updated: July 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-02

Locations

PA (1)