Muscle Energy Technique and Mulligan's Mobilization in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients

The Combined Effect of Mulligan and Muscle Energy Techniques on Shoulder Kinematics and Postural Changes After Breast Cancer Surgery With Axillary Dissection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

A recent study aimed to examine the combined effect of Mulligan and muscle energy techniques on postural changes and shoulder kinematics among women who had undergone breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection.

90 female patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups. Group A received Mulligan and muscle energy technique, group B received Mulligan technique only, and group C received muscle energy technique. The study measured shoulder kinematics and postural changes using a digital inclinometer for range of motion, PAS/SAPO for cervical angle, and the horizontal alignment of acromions and quick DASH for upper extremity activities. Outcome measurements were taken at three different time points: baseline, six weeks post-intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention during a follow-up assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female
• between 50 and 65 years
• limited shoulder range of motion

Exclusion Criteria:

• having metastases
• lymphedema
• traumatic or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the arm
• not taking anticoagulants
• not having undergone bilateral breast cancer surgery
• not having a locoregional recurrence
• not having vascular disorders in the affected arm