Rehabilitation Outcomes of Shoulder Function in Oral Cancer Survivors 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).

Inclusion criteria

• Willing to sign the inform consent
• Sufficiently communicate in the Chinese language
• Be able to follow instructions
• Newly diagnosed oral cancer
• Spinal accessory shoulder dysfunction

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breast-feeding woman
• Cognitively impaired
• Central nervous disease
• Distant metastasis or recurrence
• A history of shoulder pain or known shoulder pathology
• Unable to communicate or comprehend the questionnaires