Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in Upper Extremity Lymphedema

NCT07697495 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 25.02.2026-1214/23
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This single-center randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of adding scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training to standard lymphedema care in women with secondary upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard lymphedema care alone or standard care combined with scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Outcomes including scapular muscle strength, posture, upper extremity function, limb volume, and neck awareness will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of incorporating targeted stabilization and postural exercises into conventional lymphedema rehabilitation.

Conditions

Secondary Lymphedema

Keywords

Upper Extremity Lymphedema; Scapulothoracic Stabilization; Postural Training; Muscle Strength; Posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Change in Upper Extremity Function

  Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The DASH is a validated 30-item patient-reported outcome measure evaluating symptoms and functional limitations of the upper extremity. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

  Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment

• Change in Head Anterior Translation

  Head anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.

  Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment

• Change in Shoulder Height Asymmetry

  Shoulder height asymmetry will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.

  Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.

• Change in Shoulder Anterior Translation

  Shoulder anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.

  Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Scapular Muscle Strength

  Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment

Study Arms (2)

Scapulothoracic Stabilization

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive standard Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and therapeutic exercises, together with a structured scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training program. The additional exercise program is designed to improve scapular muscle function, postural alignment, and upper extremity function. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up.

Procedure: Complex Decongestive Therapy; Behavioral: Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training

Control

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants assigned to the control group will receive standard Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and therapeutic exercises according to routine clinical practice. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up.

Procedure: Complex Decongestive Therapy

Interventions

Complex Decongestive Therapy PROCEDURE

Standard Complex Decongestive Therapy consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and therapeutic exercises. Treatment will be delivered according to established clinical guidelines and routine lymphedema rehabilitation protocols.

Control; Scapulothoracic Stabilization

Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training BEHAVIORAL

A supervised exercise program consisting of scapulothoracic stabilization exercises and postural training designed to improve scapular muscle strength, postural alignment, and upper extremity function. The program will be provided in addition to standard Complex Decongestive Therapy throughout the treatment period.

Scapulothoracic Stabilization

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Female patients aged 18 to 65 years.
• Diagnosed with secondary upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer surgery (mastectomy).
• Willing to participate in the study.
• Able to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Active infection (e.g., cellulitis or lymphangitis).
• Advanced shoulder or cervical pathology.
• Neurological disorders affecting upper extremity function.
• Metastatic disease.
• Receiving active chemotherapy.
• Participation in another intensive lymphedema rehabilitation program within the previous 3 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Toros University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Adana, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Central Study Contacts

İdil Esin Ünlü, Assist. Prof. Dr.

CONTACT

+90 506 515 66 22; idil.unlu@toros.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Due to the nature of the interventions, participants and treating physiotherapists cannot be blinded. However, all outcome assessments will be performed by an independent assessor who is blinded to treatment allocation. Participants will be instructed not to disclose their group assignment during assessments, and statistical analyses will be conducted using coded group allocation.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Prof.

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups. The control group will receive standard Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), while the intervention group will receive standard CDT combined with scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 6, 2026
• First Posted: July 13, 2026
• Study Start: March 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2027
• Last Updated: July 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)