Morphology of the upper trapezius after neck dissection and physiotherapy in oral cancer
Official title: Ultrasonographic Assessment of Upper Trapezius Mmorphological Changes in Oral Cancer Patients With Scapular Dyskinesis: An Observational Study
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07166575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how the upper trapezius muscle changes shape after eight weeks of physiotherapy in oral cancer patients who had neck dissection.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07166575 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–65 with newly diagnosed oral cancer who had neck dissection within the last three months and show scapular dyskinesis or shoulder dysfunction, able to participate in assessments and therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without neck dissection–related shoulder issues or those unable to undergo ultrasound assessment may not experience measurable benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses B-mode ultrasonography to measure changes in the upper trapezius muscle’s thickness and cross-sectional area in patients with oral cancer who underwent neck dissection and received physiotherapy. It also examines how these morphological changes relate to active shoulder abduction range of motion. The goal is to see whether ultrasound can serve as an objective, noninvasive way to monitor rehabilitation outcomes in this population. Participants will undergo diurnal assessments and 8 weeks of standardized physiotherapy, with measurements taken at baseline and after the intervention. The study is conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital and related PT facilities in Taipei.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians may have a noninvasive way to track muscle recovery and tailor rehabilitation for shoulder dysfunction after neck dissection in oral cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in similar settings suggests ultrasound-based assessment can reflect muscle structural changes, but application to post-neck-dissection rehabilitation is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed oral cancer patients with scapular dyskinesis, who have undergone neck dissections within 3 months * Able to cooperate with assessments and physical therapy, and capable of understanding and signing the informed consent form. * Age between 20 and 65 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to effectively communicate. * Diagnosed with conditions affecting motor function.
Where it's running
-
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, Colledge of Medicine, National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD — National Taiwan University, College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD
- Email: yuehhsiachen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-2-33668133
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.