Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1

Effect of Progressive Resistive Exercise Training (PRET) on Shoulder Joint Abduction Range of Motion, Pain and Disability in Post Operative Oral Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

  • Author:
  • Mohua Chatterjee1, Vedang Murthy2,, Santosh Nikam3, SadhanaKannan4, Tejpal Gupta2, Sarbani Ghosh Laskar2, Jai Prakash Agarwal2
  • Total Page Count: 7
  • Page Number: 57 to 63

1Department of Physiotherapy, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India

2Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India

3Medical Social Worker, International Cancer Genome Consortium Project, India

4Statistician, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India

*Corresponding author: Dr. Vedang Murthy Dept. of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Sector: 22, Navi Mumbai: 410210 E mail id: vedangmurthy@gmail.com Phone number: +91-22-27405510

Online published on 28 December, 2016.

Abstract

Significant shoulder dysfunction comprising of restricted shoulder abduction and pain persists in a majority of the post surgery oral cancer patients even on performing active shoulder exercises and Radiotherapy (RT) worsens the symptoms. Progressive Resistive Exercise Training (PRET) involves gradual and incremental increase in resistance for improved rehabilitation. This trial was done to evaluate effects of PRET with active exercises in treating shoulder dysfunction in post surgery patients undergoing RT.

Ninety four post surgery oral cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy were recruited in this trial. Patients in the control group (n=47) performed active shoulder exercises only. Patients in the trial group (n=47) performed both resistive and active exercises. Resistance was gradually progressed under supervision over 6 weeks according to the tolerance of patients in trial group. Active shoulder Range of Motion (AROM) was measured at week 0, 2, 4 and 6. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) was also measured in both groups at the base line and at 6th week.

Greater improvement was found in shoulder abduction active range of motion in the trial group (mean =59.2°) than in control group (mean=22.3°), p<0.001. The SPADI score also indicated significant improvement in trial group at 6 weeks when compared to control group.

PRET in combination with active exercises provided more benefits to the patients compared to active exercises only and should be considered the standard of care.

Keywords

Oral Cancer, PRET, shoulder Dysfunction, Radiotherapy