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NCT Number: NCT07166575

Morphological Changes of Upper Trapezius Muscle After Physotherapy in Oral Cancer

The study aims to evaluate the morphological changes of upper trapezius muscle, using B-mode ultrasonography, in patients with oral cancer undergone neck dissection and physiotherapy. It also investigates the relationship between morphological changes and shoulder active range of motion in abduction. Furthermore , the study assesses the potential of B-mode ultrasonography as an objective tool for monitoring outcomes of the rehabilitation in this population.

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Key information

Conditions

Oral Cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms Mouth Diseases Mouth Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Stomatognathic Diseases

Age range

20 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, Colledge of Medicine, National Taiwan University

Taipei, 100, Taiwan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

886-921435981

About this study

The study aims to investigate the effect of 8-week physiotherapy on morphological change of upper trapezius muscle in oral cancer patients who have undergone neck dissection. Key outcome measurements include the muscle's thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), measured via B-mode ultrasonography, as well as the active range of motion (AROM) in shoulder abduction. Neck dissections may result in spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) injury, often leading to shoulder pain, upper trapezius weakness and impaired shoulder mobility. Therefore, understanding the relationship between muscle thickness, CSA, and AROM is important. The study's goal is to explore the correlation between muscle morphological changes and functional outcomes, and further evaluate the role of B-mode ultrasonography as a non-invasive tool in monitoring muscle morphology in shoulder rehabilitation progress with post-surgical oral cancer patients with shoulder dysfunction.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

B-mode ultrasonography

Diagnostic Test

Thickness and cross-sectional area of upper trapezius muscle

Primary outcomes

  1. Cross-sectional area of upper trapezius muscle

    Time frame: Pre-intervention, 8 weeks post-intervention

    CSA of the upper trapezius muscle is measured via B-mode panoramic ultrasonography. Panoramic B-mode ultrasonography will be performed by placing the probe at the spinous process of the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) and moving it laterally toward the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

  2. Thickness of upper trapezius muscle

    Time frame: Pre-intervention, 8 weeks post-intervention

    Thickness of upper trapezius muscle is measured via B-mode ultrasonography. The ultrasound probe will be positioned at the midpoint between the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the acromion, aligned parallel to the muscle fibers.

  3. Active range of motion in shoulder abduction

    Time frame: Pre-intervention, 8 weeks post-intervention

    AROM in shoulder abduction is measured by a goniometer, with the fulcrum positioned over the anterior aspect of the acromial process. The proximal arm is aligned parallel to the midline of the anterior aspect of the sternum, while the distal arm is aligned with the anterior midline of the humerus.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886-2-33668133

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Taiwan University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Upper Trapezius Mmorphological Changes in Oral Cancer Patients With Scapular Dyskinesis: An Observational Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Sep 10, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 21, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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