Effects of Conscious Control of Scapular Orientation in Oral Cancer Survivors With Scapular Dyskinesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Spinal accessory nerve dysfunction is one of the complications of neck dissection in patients with oral cancer. This study aimed to explore the effects of long-term scapular-focused exercises and conscious control of scapular orientation on scapular movement and quality of life (QoL). Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Thirty-six patients with oral cancer were randomly allocated to the motor-control group (scapular-focused exercise + conscious control of scapular orientation) or the regular-exercise group (scapular-focused exercises only). Both groups received conventional physical therapy after neck dissection for 3 months. Shoulder pain intensity, active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder abduction, scapular muscle strength and activity under maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), scapular muscle activity when performing scapular movements, and QoL were measured at baseline, 1 month after the start of the intervention, and the end of the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in all outcomes except shoulder pain intensity. After the 3-month intervention, the motor-control group had more significant improvement in AROM of shoulder abduction with a 19° difference (95% CI: 10-29, P