Effectiveness of a Visual Biofeedback Program Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Shoulder Mobility, Strength, and Function in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

NCT07542106 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 140426
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a physiotherapy program incorporating visual biofeedback compared to a conventional physiotherapy program in improving shoulder function in women following breast cancer surgery. Breast cancer survivors frequently experience shoulder dysfunction, including reduced range of motion, decreased strength, altered neuromuscular activity, and impaired scapulohumeral control. While conventional physiotherapy is effective, there is growing interest in interventions targeting motor control and neuromuscular coordination through biofeedback strategies. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy or an experimental group receiving the same program supplemented with visual biofeedback using the MotionGuidance system. Outcomes will include shoulder strength, range of motion, functional performance, electromyographic activity, and muscle oxygen saturation.

Conditions

Breast Cancer; Shoulder Dysfunction

Keywords

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation; Shoulder Dysfunction; Physiotherapy; Biofeedback; Motion Control; Electromyography; Muscle Oxygenation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Shoulder Strength (kg)

  Measured using handheld dynamometry (isometric strength in flexion, abduction, and external rotation).

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Range of Motion (degrees)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Muscle Activity (EMG-microvolts)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Handgrip Strength (kg)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Functional Performance (Sit-to-Stand Test)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group: Physiotherapy + Visual Biofeedback

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive a structured physiotherapy program combined with visual biofeedback using the MotionGuidance system. The intervention includes guided exercises with laser-based visual feedback to improve motor control and movement accuracy.

Procedure: Experimental Group: Physiotherapy + Visual Biofeedback

Control Group: Conventional Physiotherapy

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will receive a standard physiotherapy program focused on mobility, strengthening, and motor control of the shoulder without biofeedback.

Interventions

Experimental Group: Physiotherapy + Visual Biofeedback PROCEDURE

Participants will receive a structured physiotherapy program combined with visual biofeedback using the MotionGuidance system. The intervention includes guided exercises with laser-based visual feedback to improve motor control and movement accuracy.

Experimental Group: Physiotherapy + Visual Biofeedback

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Extremadura: lead

Study Sites (1)

Facultad de Mecina y Ciencias de la Salud

Badajoz, Badajoz, 06006, Spain

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Neoplasms

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neoplasms by Site; Neoplasms; Breast Diseases; Skin Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Mª Dolores MDAA Apolo-Arenas, PhD

CONTACT

924489180; mdapolo@unex.es

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 14, 2026
• First Posted: April 21, 2026
• Study Start: April 14, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 14, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

ES (1)