Lymphedema is a debilitating complication following mastectomy, affecting the arm functions and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer patients. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of upper-limb exercises on lymphedema in clinical settings. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the effect of home-based exercises on lymphedema; therefore, we examined the effect of a home-based exercise program on lymphedema and QOL in postmastectomy patients. Thirty-two female postmastectomy lymphedema patients participated in an individualized home-based exercise program for 8 weeks. Arm circumference, arm volume, and QOL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) were measured before and after the program. Data were analyzed with the use of paired t-tests for circumferential and volumetric measures and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests for QOL. Significance level was set at p < 0.01 with Bonferroni correction (alpha/n = 0.05/5 = 0.01). Analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the affected upper-limb circumference and volume (~122 mL reduction, p < 0.001) and in the QOL scores (p < 0.001) at the end of the home-based exercise program. The individualized home-based exercise program led to improvement in affected upper-limb volume and circumference and QOL of postmastectomy lymphedema patients.

(1) Background: Proprioception and limits of stability can significantly impact static and dynamic balance. Knee proprioception and limits of stability may be impaired in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Impaired knee proprioception may impact the limits of stability, and understanding the associations between these factors is important for formulating treatment strategies in this population. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the knee joint position error (JPE) and limits of stability between KOA and asymptomatic individuals and (b) assess the correlation between knee JPE and the limits of stability in KOA individuals. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 individuals diagnosed with bilateral KOA and 50 asymptomatic individuals. Knee JPE was measured using a dual digital inclinometer at 25° and 45° of knee flexion (in the dominant and nondominant legs). The limits of stability variables, including reaction time (s), maximum excursion (%), and direction control (%), were evaluated using computerized dynamic posturography. (3) Results: The magnitude of the mean knee JPE is significantly larger in KOA individuals (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic individuals assessed at 25° and 45° of knee flexion in both the dominant and nondominant legs. The limits of stability test showed that KOA group individuals had a longer reaction time (1.64 ± 0.30 s) and reduced maximum excursion (4.37 ± 0.45) and direction control (78.42 ± 5.47) percentages compared to the asymptomatic group (reaction time = 0.89 ± 0.29, maximum excursion = 5.25 ± 1.34, direction control = 87.50 ± 4.49). Knee JPE showed moderate to strong correlations with the reaction time (r = 0.60 to 0.68, p < 0.001), maximum excursion (r = −0.28 to −0.38, p < 0.001) and direction control (r = −0.59 to −0.65, p < 0.001) parameters in the limits of stability test. (4) Conclusions: Knee proprioception and limits of stability are impaired in KOA individuals compared to asymptomatic individuals, and knee JPE showed significant relationships with the limits of stability variables. These factors and correlations may be considered when evaluating and developing treatment strategies for KOA patients.

(1) Background: Cervical proprioception maintains head orientation in space and contributes to maintaining bodily balance. Evaluating cervical proprioception in elderly individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) and understanding how pain intensity mediates the relationship between proprioception and functional balance helps formulate treatment strategies for this population. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the cervical proprioception and functional balance between CNP and asymptomatic, (b) investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance ability in CNP individuals and (c) mediation effect of chronic pain on the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance tests (2) Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study recruited 60 elderly individuals with a diagnosis of CNP (mean age: 66.40 years) and 60 asymptomatic (mean age: 66.42 years). The cervical proprioception is measured using the target head repositing technique. The subjects were asked to close their eyes and reposition their head actively to the target position from the neutral position, and the reposition accuracy is estimated as joint position errors (JPE) in degrees. The cervical proprioception was measured in the directions of flexion, extension, and left and right rotation. The functional balance was assessed using the berg balance test (BBS) score and timed-up-and-go (TUG) test in seconds. (3) Results: The elderly individuals with CNP had increased cervical JPE compared to the asymptomatic group (p < 0.001) in all the directions tested, indicating that cervical proprioception is impaired in CNP patients. Moreover, the CNP individual functional balance is significantly impaired (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic. The BBS test scores were lower, and the TUG scores were higher in the CNP group. In CNP individuals, the cervical JPE showed a significant correlation with the BBS test scores (r = −0.672 to −0.732, p < 0.001) and TUG scores (r = 0.328 to −0.414, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Cervical proprioception and functional balance are impaired in elderly individuals with CNP. Physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals may consider these factors during the evaluation and development of treatment strategies in elderly adults with CNP.