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NCT Number: NCT06977620

Effect of CKC and WS Exercises on Postural Stability in Unilateral Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Post-mastectomy lymphedema is one of the most common chronic complications that significantly impacts patients' quality of life following breast cancer surgery. postural stability is maintained through the intricate integration of muscular forces, sensory input from mechanoreceptors, and biomechanical feedback. closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises play a crucial role in enhancing musculoskeletal stability by countering gravitational forces during both rest and movement. weight shifting and balance are fundamental components of functional movement. Proprioceptive training, which focuses on improving body awareness and balance, is essential for developing trunk control

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Key information

Conditions

Postmastectomy Lymphedema Breast Cancer Lymphedema Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Lymphatic Diseases Lymphedema Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications

Age range

40 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cairo University

Giza, Egypt

About this study

Sixty patients who have unilateral post mastectomy lymphedema will participate in this study. Their ages will range from 40 to 60 years. The patients will be subdivided randomly into four equal groups.

1.1.a- Group A (n= 15) (CKC group): This group will include 15 patients who will receive closed kinetic chain exercises, in addition to complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for the treatment of lymphedema. CDT includes (skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, compression garments and exercises). The total exercise time will be 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks.

1.1.b- Group B (n= 15) (WS group): This group will include 15 patients who will receive weight shifting exercises, in addition to complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for the treatment of lymphedema. The total exercise time will be 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks.

1.1.c- Group C (n= 15) (Combined group): This group will include 15 patients who will receive closed kinetic chain and Weight shifting exercises, in addition to complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for the treatment of lymphedema. The total exercise time will be 60 minutes; 30 minutes of CKC and 30 minutes of WS exercise three times per week for eight weeks.

1.1.d- Group D (n= 15) (control group): This group will include 15 patients who will receive complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for the treatment of lymphedema. CDT includes (skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, compression garments and exercises).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Women who had a history of BCRS with upper limb lymphedema. • Age range of 40-60 years.

  • The body mass index (BMI) is less than 30 Kg/m2.
  • Consciousness and ability to communicate orally or in writing.
  • Treatment by unilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection.
  • No obvious abnormal spine morphology or postural abnormalities visible to the naked eye.
  • All participants had moderate lymphedema according to the lymphedema severity assessment.

Exclusion criteria

Patients with metastases. • Differences between lower limb length.

  • Having acute or chronic vestibular, neurological, and orthopedic diseases.
  • Surgery related to spine causing limitation of motion.
  • Women with psychiatric disorders, reconstructive surgery.
  • Bilateral mastectomy. Diagnosis with a neurological, skeletal, or rheumatic disorder or other disease that seriously affects body posture.
  • History of bodily injury such as a spinal, shoulder, or neck injury, resulting in permanent alteration of the normal body posture prior to the unilateral mastectomy.
  • Failure to complete follow-up for any reason over the course of the study.
  • Peripheral polyneuropathy, cognitive dysfunction.
  • Patients taking medication that affects body balance.
  • Severe arthritis or orthopedic conditions in their lower extremity
  • Poor conditioning, acute pain in any reason,
  • Neurological disorders including visual problems.

Treatment and study plan

Closed kinetic chain exercises

Other

Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises emphasize weight-bearing movements where the distal segment of the extremity is fixed, and motion occurs as the proximal segment moves over the stabilized distal segment.

Other names: CKC

Weight shifting exercises

Other

Weight-shifting is a crucial aspect of dynamic postural control, which refers to the ability to maintain one's bodyweight within the base of support. Lateral weight-shifting, in particular, is essential for maintaining posture under dynamic conditions and is commonly performed in various activities of daily living

Other names: WS

Complete Decongestive Therapy

Other

CDT includes (skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, compression garments and exercises).

Other names: CDT

Primary outcomes

  1. Kinesis Balance™ fall prevention app

    Time frame: Eight weeks

    Patients will be instructed to hold the phone firmly against their sternum and stand with their eyes open, in a semi-tandem stance, for 30 s. The app contains audio and visual instructions on how to prepare for and complete the test as well as an audio cue to indicate test start and stop.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Time Up and Go Test (TUG)

    Time frame: Eight weeks

    Patients will be asked to stand up from a chair with armrests, walk three meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. The time taken to complete this task will be measured in seconds using a stopwatch

  2. Functional Reach Test (FRT)

    Time frame: Eight weeks

    The patient will enter a standing position on a line marked on the floor. An inch tape will be attached to a wall at approximately shoulder height of the subject. The therapist will stand 5-10 feet away from the patient and instruct them to stand close to the wall without touching it, while facing the inch tape, with the shoulder flexed at 90° and the hand in a fist. The therapist will record the starting position at the knuckle of the third metacarpal head on the ruler. The patient will then be instructed to reach as far forward as possible along the length of the tape without moving their feet. The therapist will once again record the location of the knuckle of the third metacarpal.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Closed Kinetic Chain and Weight Shifting Exercises on Postural Stability in Unilateral Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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