Clinimetric properties of measurements on neck and shoulder function, strength, exercise capacity, level of physical mobility and maximal opening of the mouth in head and neck cancer survivors

Survivors of head and neck cancer commonly experience treatment-related
morbidity that impairs exercise capacity, muscle strength, active range of
motion (AROM) of neck and shoulder and maximal mouth opening (MMO). These
problems limit daily activities and subsequently negatively influence Health
related Quality of Life (HrQoL). Physical therapy, as part of the
multidisciplinary team, focuses on these complaints. During treatment, 73% of
all patients report the need for physical therapy, and 23% report such needs
after 8-11 years. This could indicate that as well as during treatment, long
term survivors of head and neck cancer could benefit from physical therapy.
Physical therapy could include mobility exercises to improve maximal AROM of
neck and shoulders and training to improve exercise capacity and general muscle
strength. The evidence on physical therapy treatment modalities to improve MMO
remains indecisive or absent (functional mobility). To evaluate physical
therapy with treatment goals in AROM of neck and shoulders , exercise capacity,
muscle strength, functional mobility and MMO and to ensure adequate training
progression and intensity, repeated testing of these properties is necessary.

The goal of this study is to be able to perform reliable measurements on AROM
of neck and shoulders , exercise capacity, strength, MMO and functional
mobility to evaluate the effectiveness rehabilitation programs in head and neck
cancer survivors.

Clinimetric study with a test-retest design.

The research takes place at a regular meeting of the Dutch head and neck
patient society. Possible participants are relatively old and possibly
vulnerable. In this study we try to take this into account as much as possible
and minimize possible risks. The research consists of two measurements during
one day (1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon) . The total amount of time
necessary for the research is estimated between 60 and 80 minutes per
participant in total. A measurement consist of active tests, questionnaires and
the collection of demographic and patient characteristics. The physical tests
consist of measurements that have been researched and performed safely in
routine daily physiotherapy care in other vulnerable patient categories and
patients with other oncological malignancies.
With the use of the PARQwe will identify patients at risk for cardiovascular
or pulmonal problems . After completion of the research the patient gets a
report describing his scores and intepretation of physical tests to compensate
for time investment