This study aimed to investigate the effects of scapulothoracic stabilization exercises (SSE) on scapular function, posture, and balance in women with lymphedema after mastectomy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) (n = 12; age 55.25 +/- 8.17 years) and CDP plus SSE (n = 13; age 54.38 +/- 9.08 years). While only CDP was applied in the CDP group, CDP and SSE were applied in the CDP plus SSE group. Scapulothoracic muscle strength with dynamometer, scapular endurance with Scapular Isometric Compression Test, scapular dyskinesia with Lateral Scapular Slide Test, thoracic posture with inclinometer, general posture with New York Posture Scale, and balance with Mini-BESTest were evaluated before the 3-week treatment phase (TP), after the TP, and after the fifth week of the maintenance phase (MP). Improvements in the lower trapezius muscle strength were found in both groups after the TP (p < 0.05). In addition, the middle trapezius muscle strength and general posture improved more in the CDP plus SSE group than in the CDP group after the TP (p < 0.05). In the MP, scapulothoracic muscle strength, scapular endurance, and general posture improved more in CDP plus SSE group compared to the CDP group (p < 0.05). In upper extremity lymphedema patients, incorporating additional SSE in CDP may contribute to the improvement of posture and scapular functions.

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