Article

Shoulder pain and dysfunction may occur after surgery for head and neck
cancer (HNC) as a result of damage to or resection of the spinal accessory nerve.
Previous research found that
12 weeks of upper extremity progressive resistance
exercise training (PRET) improved shoulder outcomes in survivors of HNC; the
purpose of this study was to determine whether benefits persisted over the longer
term. METHODS: Survivors of HNC were assigned at random to PRET (n=27) or a
standard therapeutic protocol (TP; n=25), with an opportunity for crossover in
the TP group after 12 weeks. At 12-month follow-up, participants were mailed a
questionnaire that assessed quality of life (QOL), shoulder outcomes, and
exercise behaviour. RESULTS: Of the 52 participants enrolled in the study, 44
were eligible at 12-month follow-up, and 37 (71%) completed the questionnaires.
Overall, self-reported outcomes were largely sustained over the follow-up period.
After 12 months, regardless of original group allocation, participants who
continued resistance exercise training during the follow-up period reported
better neck dissection-related functioning (p=0.021) and better QOL (p=0.011)
than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits of PRET were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Ongoing participation in resistance exercise training may prove
valuable as a supportive care intervention for survivors of HNC.

Langue : ANGLAIS