Lymphedema Severity on Shoulder Joint Function and Muscle Activation Patterns in Breast Cancer Survivors

Ahram Canadian University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer; Breast Cancer Female

Treatments: Other: Lymphedema severity stratification

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05934695

010/28202306

Details and patient eligibility

About

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication affecting the upper extremity following breast cancer treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship between lymphedema severity and shoulder joint function and muscle activation patterns in breast cancer survivors.

Enrollment: 75 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Adults (18 years or older)
• Diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema for a minimum of 3 months
• No current evidence of active cancer
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions affecting the upper extremities (e.g. adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear)
• Previous upper extremity surgery
• Physical inability to perform the required physical movements and assessments

Trial design

75 participants in 3 patient groups

Mild lymphedema (stage 1)

Description:

International Society of Lymphology lymphedema severity stage 1, characterized by swelling with pitting, normal skin and tissue turgor. Participants assigned to this group will have mild swelling and tightness of the arm.

Treatment:

Other: Lymphedema severity stratification

Moderate lymphedema (stage 2)

Description:

International Society of Lymphology lymphedema severity stage 2, characterized by swelling with pitting as well as skin and tissue changes such as dermal thickening. Participants assigned to this group will have moderate swelling and tightness of the arm as well as skin changes without distortional warty-overgrowth or elephantiasis folds.

Treatment:

Other: Lymphedema severity stratification

Severe lymphedema (stage 3)

Description:

International Society of Lymphology lymphedema severity stage 3, characterized by swelling with non-pitting, and warty-overgrowth or elephantiasis folds of skin. Participants assigned to this group will have severe swelling and tightness of the arm with warty overgrowth of skin.

Treatment:

Other: Lymphedema severity stratification