Comparative Effects of Isometrics Versus Range of Motion Exercises on Pain, Mobility and Functional Independence in Post-Mastectomy Patients

The aim of study was to investigate the comparative effectiveness of Isometrics versus Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises on Pain, Mobility and Functional Independence post-mastectomy. A randomized clinical trial was conducted, in which 30 participants were randomly assigned to 2 parallel groups. One group received Isometric Exercises, while the other received Range of Motion Exercises. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion and functional independence. Treatments were administered 3 times per week with 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per day for a duration of eight weeks.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Postmastectomy Pain; Post Mastectomy
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Isometrics Exercise; Procedure: Range of Motion Exercises

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 30
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Faisalābad, Pakistan
    • The University of Faisalabad

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women between the ages of 45 and 65
• Underwent a one-sided mastectomy
• No history of shoulder injuries
• Able to understand instructions and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Experiencing severe pain
• Diagnosed with advanced lymph edema
• Physically unable to engage in exercises
• Medically unstable

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Isometrics Exercise Group A; Group A received a hot pack for 10-15 minutes and performed deep breathing exercises for 3-4 repetitions. Patients were instructed in diaphragmatic breathing, where they inhaled deeply, held their breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhaled. Following this, isometric exercises were performed, consisting of 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per set, done three times per week for a total duration of 8 weeks.	Procedure: Isometrics Exercise; Shoulder Squeeze: The therapist instructed the patient to lift their arms to shoulder height while keeping the elbows bent, then move the arms backward until the shoulder blades come together. Arm Lift to Front and Side: The therapist instructed the patient to raise their arm forward and upward while applying gentle resistance for 2-3 seconds to facilitate front arm elevation. Then, the patient was guided to lift the arm sideways, with slight resistance applied for 2-3 seconds to assist in side-arm elevation.
Active Comparator: Range of Motion Exerccise Group B; Group B received a hot pack for 10-15 minutes and performed deep breathing exercises for 3-4 repetitions. Patients were guided in diaphragmatic breathing, where they inhaled deeply, held their breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhaled. Afterward, they performed Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, consisting of 2 sets of each exercise with 5-7 repetitions per set, conducted three times per week over a period of 8 weeks.	Procedure: Range of Motion Exercises; Wall Climb for Flexion: The therapist instructed the patient to move their fingers upward along the wall until they reach their limit, then repeat the movement. Arm across Chest for Adduction and Internal Rotation: The therapist instructed the patient to move the affected arm toward the unaffected arm and shoulder. Wand Exercise for Flexion and Abduction: The patient was instructed to hold a wand with both hands and move it forward and sideways toward the affected side

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Shoulder Pain	Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with decreasing values indicates improved patient condition and reduced pain intensity.	Eight Weeks
Shoulder ROM	Goniometer with increasing ROM indicates improved patient condition and joint movements.	Eight Weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Shoulder Functional Independence	Upper Extremity Functional Scale determines the level of function of participant where higher score indicates improved upper extremity function and reduced functional impairment.	Eight Weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Dr Izza Ayub; PT, Department of Rehabilitaion Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 25, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 25, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): May 25, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 21, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 21, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): June 29, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 28, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 23, 2025
• Last Verified: February 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Pain; Mobility; Post-mastectomy; Functional Independence; Isometric Exercises; Range of Motion Exercises
• Other Study ID Numbers: TUF/PB/40/1033/40

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No