Effectiveness of a Visual Biofeedback Program Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Shoulder Mobility, Strength, and Function in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

Effectiveness of a Visual Biofeedback Program Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Shoulder Mobility, Strength, and Function in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a physiotherapy program incorporating visual biofeedback compared to a conventional physiotherapy program in improving shoulder function in women following breast cancer surgery.

Breast cancer survivors frequently experience shoulder dysfunction, including reduced range of motion, decreased strength, altered neuromuscular activity, and impaired scapulohumeral control. While conventional physiotherapy is effective, there is growing interest in interventions targeting motor control and neuromuscular coordination through biofeedback strategies.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy or an experimental group receiving the same program supplemented with visual biofeedback using the MotionGuidance system. Outcomes will include shoulder strength, range of motion, functional performance, electromyographic activity, and muscle oxygen saturation.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, with increasing survival rates. However, many survivors experience long-term musculoskeletal complications, particularly affecting the shoulder complex. These include reduced mobility, altered neuromuscular activation, scapular dyskinesis, and functional limitations.

Conventional physiotherapy interventions focusing on mobility, strengthening, and motor control are widely used and supported by evidence. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in treatment protocols and limited research exploring neuromuscular adaptations using objective measures such as electromyography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Visual biofeedback interventions, such as MotionGuidance, may enhance motor learning, movement accuracy, and adherence by providing real-time external feedback. Despite their potential, few clinical trials have compared biofeedback-based rehabilitation with standard physiotherapy in breast cancer populations.

This randomized controlled trial will compare two interventions over 8 weeks: (1) conventional physiotherapy and (2) conventional physiotherapy combined with visual biofeedback. Both groups will receive identical treatment dosage, differing only in the use of biofeedback.

The study also incorporates objective neuromuscular and metabolic assessments, including EMG and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂), to better understand the mechanisms underlying rehabilitation outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18 years or older
• History of breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery within the last 6 months)
• Presence of shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, strength deficit, or functional limitation
• Ability to understand and follow study instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of metastasis
• Post-surgical complications contraindicating exercise
• Severe lymphedema (Stage III or IV)
• Neurological disorders affecting the upper limb
• Severe musculoskeletal shoulder conditions unrelated to breast cancer
• Participation in other rehabilitation programs