Rehabilitation Outcomes of Shoulder Function in Oral Cancer Survivors Cancer Survivors

Overview

Head and neck cancer is prevalent in Taiwan, and oral cancer is the most common location. Advanced treatment of oral cancer increases survival rates; however, it also increases the risk of developing shoulder dysfunction, dysphagia, oral dysfunction, donor site morbidity and psychological issues. The probability of shoulder dysfunction after neck dissection is as high as 70%. Rehabilitation effects on shoulder function for head and neck survivors are needed for further studied.The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to explore the effects of rehabilitation for shoulder function in oral cancer survivors.

Head and neck cancer is prevalent in Taiwan, and oral cancer is the most common location. Advanced treatment of oral cancer increases survival rates; however, it also increases the risk of developing shoulder dysfunction, dysphagia, oral dysfunction, donor site morbidity and psychological issues. The probability of shoulder dysfunction after neck dissection is as high as 70%. Rehabilitation effects on shoulder function for head and neck survivors are needed for further studied. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to explore the effects of rehabilitation for shoulder function in oral cancer survivors. We will recruit 60 newly diagnosed oral cancer subjects through the plastic surgeon's referral from April 2018 to March 2020. The participants will be randomized separated into experimental or control group. Each group would receive regular physical therapy for shoulder function (i.e., transcutaneous electrical stimulation, shoulder joint range of motion exercise, scapular muscle strengthening training). Experimental group would be supplemented by motor control therapy targeting the scapular muscle progressive resistance exercise (exercise plus manual therapy).