Scapular-focused exercise: Scapular-focused exercise primarily targets the trapezius muscle, 60 minutes each session, once a week for 12 weeks.
Scapular-focused exercise: Scapular-focused exercise primarily targets the trapezius muscle, 60 minutes each session, once a week for 12 weeks.
Study summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of comparing early versus late referrals for scapular-focused exercise on shoulder function in head and neck cancer patients following neck dissection.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
20 Years
Max age
65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder abduction — Baseline (before the first exercise intervention), 12 weeks of exercise intervention Shoulder abduction AROM is measured in degrees three times using a universal goniometer and full-circle manual protractor, with the subject supine, shoulder in lateral rotation, and palm facing anteriorly. The protractor fulcrum is placed on the anterior acromial process, one arm aligned with the midline of the sternum, and the other with the anterior midline of the humerus, while keeping the thorax immobile to prevent vertebral lateral flexion.
scapular position — Baseline (before the first exercise intervention), 12 weeks of exercise intervention The modified lateral scapular slide test (MLSST) measures the medio-lateral displacement of the inferior scapular angle and asymmetry at three shoulder abduction angles. The distance between the inferior scapular angle and the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra is measured three times on each side using a vernier caliper, and the average difference is calculated. The MLSST is conducted in three positions: arms at the sides (position 1), hands on hips (position 2), and holding a 1 kg dumbbell at 90° shoulder abduction with maximal internal rotation in the scapular plane (position 3).
Trial sites (2)
Facility
City
Region
Status
National Taiwan Univerisity Hospital
Taipei
Taiwan
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei
Taiwan
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This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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