Effects of Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy and Active Release Technique on Shoulder Pain, Lymphedema, and Functional Disability in Post-Mastectomy Patients.

Eksperymentalny: Active Release Technique

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.

Inny: Active release technique

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.

Aktywny komparator: Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy

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.

Inny: Visual-Feedback Induced Therapy

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.

Pain intensity

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

The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item, patient-reported questionnaire. Percentage score (0% to 100%).

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)