Morphological Changes of Upper Trapezius Muscle After Physotherapy in Oral Cancer

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Oral Cancer

• Registration Number: NCT07166575
• Lead Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-02
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-10
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-10
• Study Start: 2025-09-15
• Primary Completion: 2026-07-31
• Study Completion: 2026-07-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 10

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cross-sectional area of upper trapezius muscle	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.
Active range of motion in shoulder abduction	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.
Thickness of upper trapezius muscle	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.