Secondary LymphedemaNCT07697495
Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in Upper Extremity Lymphedema
A study testing Complex Decongestive Therapy and Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in people with Secondary Lymphedema, run by Toros University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Secondary Lymphedema
- What is being tested?
- Complex Decongestive Therapy and Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi
Adana
Deniz TUNCA, PT, +90 532 409 36 33, denizcanoglu82@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training Added to Standard Lymphedema Care on Muscle Strength, Posture and Functional Outcomes in Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
Secondary upper extremity lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment and is characterized by chronic swelling, pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired upper extremity function, and postural alterations. These impairments may negatively affect daily activities, body perception, and quality of life. Although Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard for lymphedema management, conventional treatment primarily focuses on edema reduction and does not specifically address scapular stability, postural alignment, or neuromuscular control.
Altered scapulothoracic biomechanics and postural dysfunction are frequently observed in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema. These impairments may contribute to shoulder dysfunction, muscle weakness, compensatory movement patterns, and persistent functional limitations. Scapulothoracic stabilization exercises aim to restore scapular muscle balance and improve dynamic shoulder stability, whereas postural training promotes optimal alignment and body awareness. The combined application of these interventions may enhance functional recovery beyond the effects of standard CDT alone; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials remains limited.
This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness 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 allocated to either a control group receiving standard lymphedema care or an intervention group receiving standard care plus scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated allocation sequence, and all outcome assessments will be conducted by a blinded assessor.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes will include scapular muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2), postural alignment assessed using the PostureScreen application, upper extremity function evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, limb volume calculated from serial circumference measurements, and neck awareness assessed using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ). The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical benefits of incorporating targeted scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training into conventional lymphedema rehabilitation and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation protocols for breast cancer survivors.
- Conditions
- Secondary Lymphedema
- Being tested
- Complex Decongestive Therapy, Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training
- Keywords
- Upper Extremity Lymphedema, Scapulothoracic Stabilization, Postural Training, Muscle Strength, Posture
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Complex Decongestive TherapyProcedure or surgery
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.
Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural TrainingBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: 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. Receives: Procedure: Complex Decongestive Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Scapular Muscle Strength
Scapular muscle strength (upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles) will be measured using a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2) with the isometric make-test method.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026
- Primary completionMar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Secondary LymphedemaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Toros University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Idil Esin Unlu, Toros University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07697495
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25.02.2026-1214/23
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training Added to Standard Lymphedema Care on Muscle Strength, Posture and Functional Outcomes in Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07697495
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 25.02.2026-1214/23
- Conditions
- Secondary Lymphedema
- Keywords
- Upper Extremity Lymphedema, Scapulothoracic Stabilization, Postural Training, Muscle Strength, Posture
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Toros UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Secondary upper extremity lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment and is characterized by chronic swelling, pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired upper extremity function, and postural alterations. These impairments may negatively affect daily activities, body perception, and quality of life. Although Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard for lymphedema management, conventional treatment primarily focuses on edema reduction and does not specifically address scapular stability, postural alignment, or neuromuscular control.
Altered scapulothoracic biomechanics and postural dysfunction are frequently observed in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema. These impairments may contribute to shoulder dysfunction, muscle weakness, compensatory movement patterns, and persistent functional limitations. Scapulothoracic stabilization exercises aim to restore scapular muscle balance and improve dynamic shoulder stability, whereas postural training promotes optimal alignment and body awareness. The combined application of these interventions may enhance functional recovery beyond the effects of standard CDT alone; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials remains limited.
This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness 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 allocated to either a control group receiving standard lymphedema care or an intervention group receiving standard care plus scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated allocation sequence, and all outcome assessments will be conducted by a blinded assessor.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes will include scapular muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2), postural alignment assessed using the PostureScreen application, upper extremity function evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, limb volume calculated from serial circumference measurements, and neck awareness assessed using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ). The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical benefits of incorporating targeted scapulothoracic stabilization and postural training into conventional lymphedema rehabilitation and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation protocols for breast cancer survivors.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Scapulothoracic Stabilization | Experimental | Procedure: Complex Decongestive Therapy, Behavioral: Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural TrainingParticipants 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. |
| Control | Active comparator | Procedure: Complex Decongestive TherapyParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Active infection (e.g., cellulitis or lymphangitis).
- Advanced shoulder or cervical pathology.
- Neurological disorders affecting upper extremity function.
- Metastatic disease.
- Receiving active chemotherapy.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Complex Decongestive TherapyStandard 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. | Procedure or surgery | Control, Scapulothoracic Stabilization |
| Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural TrainingA 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. | Behavioural | Scapulothoracic Stabilization |
Primary outcome
Change in Upper Extremity Function
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment
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.
Change in Head Anterior Translation
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment
Head anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
Change in Shoulder Height Asymmetry
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.
Shoulder height asymmetry will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
Change in Shoulder Anterior Translation
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment.
Shoulder anterior translation will be assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Scapular Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Secondary Lymphedema
Not yet recruitingPhase 1/2
mRNA Therapy to Restore Lymphatic Flow in Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary Lymphedema
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Biological Profile of Primary and Secondary Lymphedema: Inflammatory, Endothelial, Metabolic, Lymphatic, and Fibrotic Markers
Primary Lymphedema, Secondary Lymphedema
RecruitingObservational study
Deep Learning for Musculoskeletal Complications in Breast Cancer
Postmastectomy Lymphedema Syndrome, Breast Cancer Surgery Pain
Recruiting
The N-LVA Study: RCT Comparing LVA vs. Sham Surgery in Cancer-related Lymphedema
Lymphedema, Secondary, Lymphedema of Upper Limb
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Imaging Sodium and Lymphatics in Lymphedema
Lymphedema of Leg, Lymphedema, Secondary
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Complex Decongestive Therapy and Scapulothoracic Stabilization and Postural Training in people with Secondary Lymphedema, run by Toros University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact İdil Esin Ünlü, Assist. Prof. Dr. (+90 506 515 66 22, idil.unlu@toros.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Upper Extremity Function (time frame: Baseline, immediately after completion of treatment, and 2 months after treatment). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.