Comparing early and late referrals for shoulder exercises in head and neck cancer patients

Comparison of Early Versus Late Referral for Scapular-Focused Exercise on Shoulder Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Neck Dissection

This study is testing if getting shoulder exercises sooner or later after neck surgery helps people with head and neck cancer recover better from shoulder problems.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Taipei and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06852261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of timing on referrals for scapular-focused exercises in patients with shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection due to head and neck cancer. A total of 30 patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: those receiving early referrals within two months post-surgery and those receiving late referrals after two months. Both groups will undergo conventional physical therapy and scapular-focused exercises, which target the trapezius muscle, for 60 minutes once a week over a 12-week period. The goal is to assess how the timing of referral affects shoulder function recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 65 who have recently been diagnosed with head and neck cancer and exhibit symptoms of accessory nerve dysfunction after unilateral neck dissection.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastasis, cancer recurrence, or significant pre-existing shoulder pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve shoulder function and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients recovering from neck dissection.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific timing of referrals for scapular exercises, similar rehabilitation approaches have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with shoulder dysfunction.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age between 20 and 65 years.
2. Newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer and experiencing clinical symptoms of accessory nerve dysfunction after unilateral neck dissection, such as shoulder drooping, restricted active range of motion in shoulder abduction, or insufficient muscle strength against gravity in shoulder abduction.
3. Scapular dyskinesia, such as asymmetrical scapular movement in multiple planes.
4. Scapular asymmetry, defined as a bilateral difference of more than 1.5 cm between the inferior angle of the scapula and the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra when performing 90° shoulder abduction in the scapular plane under a 1 kg load.

Exclusion Criteria：

1. Presence of distant metastasis or cancer recurrence.
2. Inability to communicate or comprehend the questionnaire.
3. History of shoulder pain within one year before neck dissection.
4. Any condition that may affect motor performance.
5. History of neuromuscular disorders or tendon pathology in the affected shoulder, other than accessory nerve dysfunction.

Where this trial is running

Taipei and 1 other locations

• National Taiwan Univerisity Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
• National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Chin-Yin Yu

Conditions Rehabilitation; shoulder; exercise; Head and Neck Cancer