Virtual Reality and Maitland Mobilization on Shoulder Dysfunction Post Mastectomy

Background: Worldwide attention for postmastectomy shoulder dysfunction. Potential evidence regarding Maitland mobilization for its therapeutic benefits shoulder restrictions. Virtual reality is an innovative approach that facilitates simulation of functional tasks. Objective: To determine efficacy of Maitland mobilization, and virtual reality on shoulder dysfunction postmastectomy. Patients and methods: Sixty patients of both genders (34 females, and 26 men) suffering from postmastectomy shoulder dysfunction selected from Damietta Governmental Hospital, participated in this study, their age ranged 40-65 years. They were randomly allocated into three equal groups; Group A received Maitland mobilization, plus conventional physical therapy protocol; Group B received virtual reality, plus conventional physical therapy protocol, and Group C received Maitland mobilization and virtual reality, plus conventional physical therapy protocol. Outcome measures: Shoulder mobility using digital goniometer, and shoulder dysfunction using shoulder pain and disability index. Results: Unsignificant differences were revealed at baseline analysis. All groups had revealed a significant increase in shoulder mobility, and a significant improvement in shoulder dysfunction post treatment. While, there was significant improvements with favor for group C, over group A, over group B posttreatment in term of shoulder mobility, and dysfunction. Conclusion: Both Maitland mobilization and virtual reality therapy are effective in shoulder dysfunction post mastectomy management, where Maitland mobilization, virtual reality, plus conventional physical therapy program was superior in terms of shoulder mobility, pain, and functional capability.