CompletedNot Applicable

The Effect of Mirror Therapy After Thoracotomy

Turkey (Türkiye)70 participantsStarted 2022-03-06

Plain-language summary

After thoracotomy, limitation in shoulder functions, ipsilateral shoulder pain, decrease in shoulder muscle strength and deterioration in quality of life occur. The exercise program applied after thoracotomy includes active range of motion exercises, postural correction activities, scapular strengthening exercises, and stretching of the chest and shoulder muscles. Mirror therapy can improve motor functions and reduce unilateral pain. This study aims to evaluate the effects of upper extremity exercises based on mirror therapy after thoracotomy on ipsilateral shoulder pain, shoulder joint range of motion, shoulder muscle strength, shoulder function, quality of life, movement and fear of re-injury. The patients were divided into 2 groups as "mirror therapy group" and "control group", by choosing a simple randomization so that they could not see what was written on their pre-prepared papers. Standard medical treatment, care and pulmonary rehabilitation program were applied to both groups. In addition to the routine rehabilitation program after thoracotomy, the study group received a total of 24 sessions of foal therapy, 3 sessions a week, for 8 weeks. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form including the demographic characteristics of the patients, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Shoulder Active Range of Motion, Pain Catastrophization Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Shoulder muscle strength, SF-12. performed before and after treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who were hospitalized in Akdeniz University Hospital Thoracic Surgery Clinic and underwent lung resection with standard posterolateral thoracotomy (lobectomy, segmentectomy or wedge resection), * Those between the ages of 25-65, * Hemodynamically stable, * Those who were extubated at the 2nd or 3rd postoperative hour and who did not develop any complications after extubation, * No known cerebrovascular disease, * Not having morbid obesity and heart disease that will prevent working, * Does not have cognitive and cognitive impairments that will prevent communication, * No previous paralysis and related effects, * Individuals who agree to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Those who stayed in the intensive care unit for more than 4 days in the postoperative period, * Those who have had another surgical procedure within 6 months, * Those with postoperative cooperation problems such as delirium, * Those with Rotator Cuff injuries, * Those with cervical radiculopathy, * Those with rheumatological diseases, * Those with neurological disease, * Those with a history of dislocation, subluxation, * Those with a history of fracture, * Those with congenital deformity, * Those who have a history of surgery related to the shoulder, * Those who have trouble perceiving tests and exercises

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change of Pain Score

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Pain Score at 8 weeks.

Change of Active Shoulder Range of Motion

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Active Shoulder Range of Motion at 8 weeks.

Change of Shoulder Muscle Strength

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Shoulder Muscle Strength at 8 weeks.

Change of Quality of Life Score

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Quality of Life Score at 8 weeks.

Change of Shoulder, Pain and Disability Index Score

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Shoulder, Pain and Disability Index Score at 8 weeks.

Change of Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale

Timeframe: Change from Baseline Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale Score at 8 weeks.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05962736

SponsorAkdeniz University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-04-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome trials