None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study looks at the effect of a progressive exercise program on shoulder pain and function following nerve injury after neck dissection surgery for cancer. Who is it for? You can join this study if you have undergone neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer within eight weeks and you have clinical signs of injury to the accessory nerve which includes weakness of shoulder movements. Trial details Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group (control) will receive standard care (physiotherapy or a handout of generalised exercises and advice about scar care). The other group will attend the physiotherapy department for a supervised exercise program. This involves progressive strengthening exercises for half an hour, once a week for 12 weeks, with the same exercises performed at home twice a week. Assessments will be carried out at the start of the study and at 3, 6 and 12 months. The study aims to compare levels of pain, disability and shoulder movement in the different groups.
Interventions
Participants eligible are those that have undergone neck dissection surgery for cancer within eight weeks, that present with clinical signs of accessory nerve injury; dropped scapula, winged scapula, and reduced active abduction on the operated side. Participation in the intervention group will involve attending the physiotherapy department at the study sites for a supervised exercise program. This involves progressive strengthening exercises using hand weights, active-assisted range of movement
Participants eligible are those that have undergone neck dissection surgery for cancer within eight weeks, that present with clinical signs of accessory nerve injury; dropped scapula, winged scapula, and reduced active abduction on the operated side. Participation in the intervention group will involve attending the physiotherapy department at the study sites for a supervised exercise program. This involves progressive strengthening exercises using hand weights, active-assisted range of movement exercises of the shoulder, active range of movement exercises of the neck, and stretches of the shoulder and neck. The supervising physiotherapist ensures no worsening of pain or fatigue occurs during sessions. This will take half an hour, once a week for 12 weeks. The same exercises will be performed at home twice a week. Exercise diaries are utilised to ensure compliance and no self upgrading of exercises.
Sponsors
Calvary Mater Newcastle
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Must be within 8 weeks of neck dissection surgery, with accessory nerve preservation and scar fully healed.
Exclusion criteria
Non English speaking, that requires an interpreter. Metastases to other areas. Does not possess ability to give informed consent. Nil cognitive impairment, intellectual disability or significant mental illness. Not pregnant.
Outcome results
None listed