Objectives
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hospital-based and home-based exercise programs on quality of life (QOL) and neck and shoulder function of patients who underwent head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery.
Methods
This clinical trial included 40 patients with neck and shoulder dysfunction after HNC. The exercise program included range of motion (ROM) exercises, massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Twenty patients who were assigned to the hospital-based exercise group performed physical therapy for 40 minutes three times a week for four weeks., and the remaining 20 patients were assigned to the home-based group. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC Head and Neck Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N), the Neck and Shoulder Disability Index (NDI), ROM, and numeric rating scale (NRS) were assessed before and after the exercise program. The program consisted of a 10-minute ROM to the neck and shoulder, a 10-minute massage, and 15 minutes of progressive resistance exercises, followed by a five-minute stretching exercise.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in the changes of neck and shoulder disability index (p<.05). Additionally, there were significant differences in neck extension and rotation ROM and NRS in the hospital-based group compared with home-based group (p<.05). QOL was not significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusions
Home-based exercise group was effective for improving QOL, shoulder function, and pain relief. Hospital-based exercise had better effects on physical function of the neck and shoulder and reduced pain. |
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Table1. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients
Table2. Comparison of the mean values obtained for EORTC C-30 and H&N35 between the hospital-based exercise group and the home-based exercise group
Table3. Comparison of the mean values obtained for NDI, ROM, NRS between the hospital-based exercise group and the home-based exercise group
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