Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder DysfunctionNCT07719725
Effects of Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy and Active Release Technique on Shoulder Pain, Lymphedema, and Functional Disability in Post-Mastectomy Patients.
A study testing Active release technique and Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy in people with Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of visual-feedback induced therapy and Active Release Technique on shoulder pain, lymphedema, and functional disability in post-mastectomy patients. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction
- What is being tested?
- Active release technique and Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 16 Jul 2026to 15 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 40 to 65 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female patients aged 40-65 years.
- History of unilateral mastectomy performed at least 2 months prior.
- Persistent shoulder pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale 4-7).
- Reduced shoulder range of motion or functional limitation affecting daily activities.
- Mild to moderate lymphedema of the affected upper limb .
Who cannot join
- History of neurological disorders affecting motor function (e.g., stroke, MS).
- Previous shoulder surgery unrelated to mastectomy.
- Active infection or open wounds in the affected limb.
- Already developed frozen shoulder in diabetic patient.
- Severe lymphedema requires intensive medical management.
- Cognitive impairment prevents participation in therapy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
University of biological and applied sciences
Lahore, Punjab Province, 0000
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of visual-feedback induced therapy and Active Release Technique on shoulder pain, lymphedema, and functional disability in post-mastectomy patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy combined with Active Release Technique or conventional physiotherapy combined with visual-feedback therapy. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.
Read the detailed description
Post-mastectomy patients frequently experience shoulder pain, restricted mobility, and lymphedema, leading to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy provides partial relief; however, innovative approaches such as visual-feedback therapy (mirror therapy) and Active Release Technique may offer improved outcomes. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these interventions in improving pain, limb swelling, and upper-limb function. The findings may help identify optimal rehabilitation strategies for breast cancer survivors.
- Conditions
- Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction
- Being tested
- Active release technique, Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Active release techniqueOther
Participants in the experiment group 1 will receive a combination of conventional physiotherapy and Active Release Technique (ART) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, over 6 consecutive weeks. The conventional physiotherapy includes hot pack therapy for 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility, followed by 25-30 minutes of exercise therapy. Exercises target shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation), strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, stretching of pectoralis major and minor, deltoid, biceps, and upper trapezius, and functional tasks such as reaching, lifting, and daily activity simulations. Exercises start with three repetitions and stretches held for 10-15 seconds, with weekly progression based on patient tolerance.
Visual-Feedback Induced TherapyOther
Participants in the experimental group 2 will receive the same conventional physiotherapy as the experimental group 1, plus Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy (VFIT) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, for 6 weeks. VFIT uses mirror during shoulder and upper-limb exercises, allowing patients to observe the unaffected limb performing movements while performing symmetrical movements with the affected limb. Exercises focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, and functional reaching tasks, aiming to correct abnormal movement patterns, reduce compensatory strategies, and enhance central motor control.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active Release Technique | Experimental | Participants will receive a combination of conventional physiotherapy and Active Release Technique (ART) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, over 6 consecutive weeks. The conventional physiotherapy includes hot pack therapy for 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility, followed by 25-30 minutes of exercise therapy. Exercises target shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation), strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, stretching of pectoralis major and minor, deltoid, biceps, and upper trapezius, and functional tasks such as reaching, lifting, and daily activity simulations. Exercises start with three repetitions and stretches held for 10-15 seconds, with weekly progression based on patient tolerance. Receives: Other: Active release technique |
| Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy | Active comparator | Participants in the experimental group 2 will receive the same conventional physiotherapy as the experimental group 1, plus Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy (VFIT) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, for 6 weeks. VFIT uses mirror during shoulder and upper-limb exercises, allowing patients to observe the unaffected limb performing movements while performing symmetrical movements with the affected limb. Exercises focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, and functional reaching tasks, aiming to correct abnormal movement patterns, reduce compensatory strategies, and enhance central motor control. Receives: Other: Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity
Pain numeric scale:
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is an 11-point scale from 0 to 10 used to measure pain intensity.
Measured: From enrollment to 6 weeks.
Shoulder pain and disability
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item, patient-reported questionnaire. Percentage score (0% to 100%).
Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks.
Limb volume
Lymphedema measuring tape:
A lymphedema measuring tape is a used to measuring circumference of shoulder. Minimum: Grade 1 (Mild - less than 20% volume increase in the limb)Maximum: Grade 4 (Gigantic - massive deformity exceeding 50% to 100% volume increase)
Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jul 2026
- Study start16 Jul 2026
- Primary completion30 Jul 2026
- Study completion15 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder DysfunctionStudies 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07719725
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/043010
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: baseline participants
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy and Active Release Technique on Shoulder Pain, Lymphedema, and Functional Disability in Post-Mastectomy Patients.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07719725
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/043010
- Conditions
- Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 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 randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of visual-feedback induced therapy and Active Release Technique on shoulder pain, lymphedema, and functional disability in post-mastectomy patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy combined with Active Release Technique or conventional physiotherapy combined with visual-feedback therapy. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.
Detailed description
Post-mastectomy patients frequently experience shoulder pain, restricted mobility, and lymphedema, leading to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy provides partial relief; however, innovative approaches such as visual-feedback therapy (mirror therapy) and Active Release Technique may offer improved outcomes. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these interventions in improving pain, limb swelling, and upper-limb function. The findings may help identify optimal rehabilitation strategies for breast cancer survivors.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active Release Technique | Experimental | Other: Active release techniqueParticipants will receive a combination of conventional physiotherapy and Active Release Technique (ART) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, over 6 consecutive weeks. The conventional physiotherapy includes hot pack therapy for 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility, followed by 25-30 minutes of exercise therapy. Exercises target shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation), strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, stretching of pectoralis major and minor, deltoid, biceps, and upper trapezius, and functional tasks such as reaching, lifting, and daily activity simulations. Exercises start with three repetitions and stretches held for 10-15 seconds, with weekly progression based on patient tolerance. |
| Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy | Active comparator | Other: Visual-Feedback Induced TherapyParticipants in the experimental group 2 will receive the same conventional physiotherapy as the experimental group 1, plus Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy (VFIT) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, for 6 weeks. VFIT uses mirror during shoulder and upper-limb exercises, allowing patients to observe the unaffected limb performing movements while performing symmetrical movements with the affected limb. Exercises focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, and functional reaching tasks, aiming to correct abnormal movement patterns, reduce compensatory strategies, and enhance central motor control. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female patients aged 40-65 years.
- History of unilateral mastectomy performed at least 2 months prior.
- Persistent shoulder pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale 4-7).
- Reduced shoulder range of motion or functional limitation affecting daily activities.
- Mild to moderate lymphedema of the affected upper limb .
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of neurological disorders affecting motor function (e.g., stroke, MS).
- Previous shoulder surgery unrelated to mastectomy.
- Active infection or open wounds in the affected limb.
- Already developed frozen shoulder in diabetic patient.
- Severe lymphedema requires intensive medical management.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Active release techniqueParticipants in the experiment group 1 will receive a combination of conventional physiotherapy and Active Release Technique (ART) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, over 6 consecutive weeks. The conventional physiotherapy includes hot pack therapy for 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility, followed by 25-30 minutes of exercise therapy. Exercises target shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation), strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, stretching of pectoralis major and minor, deltoid, biceps, and upper trapezius, and functional tasks such as reaching, lifting, and daily activity simulations. Exercises start with three repetitions and stretches held for 10-15 seconds, with weekly progression based on patient tolerance. | Other | Active Release Technique |
| Visual-Feedback Induced TherapyParticipants in the experimental group 2 will receive the same conventional physiotherapy as the experimental group 1, plus Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy (VFIT) for 40-60 minutes per session, three times per week, for 6 weeks. VFIT uses mirror during shoulder and upper-limb exercises, allowing patients to observe the unaffected limb performing movements while performing symmetrical movements with the affected limb. Exercises focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, and functional reaching tasks, aiming to correct abnormal movement patterns, reduce compensatory strategies, and enhance central motor control. | Other | Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks.
Pain numeric scale: The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is an 11-point scale from 0 to 10 used to measure pain intensity.
Shoulder pain and disability
Time frame: From baseline to 6 weeks.
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item, patient-reported questionnaire. Percentage score (0% to 100%).
Limb volume
Time frame: From baseline to 6 weeks
Lymphedema measuring tape: A lymphedema measuring tape is a used to measuring circumference of shoulder. Minimum: Grade 1 (Mild - less than 20% volume increase in the limb)Maximum: Grade 4 (Gigantic - massive deformity exceeding 50% to 100% volume increase)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. baseline participants
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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Active release technique and Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy in people with Ost-Mastectomy Shoulder Dysfunction, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Sep 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 Pakistan. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain intensity (time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks.). The study lists 3 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 3 Sep 2026.