Abstract
BackgroundSurvivors of Head and Neck Cancer experience specific problems in functional performance. The aim of this study was to obtain the test-retest reliability of measurements on Maximal Mouth Opening (MMO), shoulder and neck function, lower and upper body strength, level of mobility and walking ability.Materials and methodsTest-retest study design. Measurements on MMO (intra- and extra orally), Active range of motion of shoulders and neck, 30 Seconds Chair Stand Test, Grip Strength, Timed Up and Go test, and Six Minute Walk test.ResultsIn total 50 participants were included. The mean age was 68.6. ± 9.9 years and median time since end of treatment was 3.0 years (Q1–Q3: 1.0–5.25 years). We found good to excellent test-retest reliability on the core set of measurements (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) 0.77 to 0.98). Measurement of MMO with cardboard card, forward flexion shoulder and Six Minute Walk test had a relatively small measurement error (Smallest Detectable Change (SDC) % 5.4% - 15.1%). Measurement of MMO with a caliper, shoulder abduction, shoulder external rotation, later flexion and rotation of the neck, grip strength, 30 Seconds Chair Stand Test, and Timed up and Go test had a relatively large measurement error (SDC% 19.8% - 44.7%).ConclusionThis core set of measurements on physical performance is found reliable and therefore able to differentiate in physical performance. The reported measurement errors should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of repeated measurements.Implications for cancer survivorsA core set of physical measurements can be used to measure physical performance in survivors of Head and Neck Cancer.
Highlights
Curative treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) may consist of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments
We found good to excellent test-retest reliability on the core set of measurements (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) 0.77 to 0.98)
The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
Summary
Curative treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) may consist of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Survivors of HNC (sHNC) commonly experience treatment-related morbidity that impairs their physical, social, emotional, and psychological performance [2, 3]. Local morbidity can be related to alterations in the functional anatomy and physiology of the head and neck. The etiology of limitations in neck and shoulder function is multifactorial and lies in a combination of nerve and soft tissue damage and a change in movement patterns due to pain and shoulder disuse mostly related to surgery and radiotherapy [11, 13]. Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer experience specific problems in functional performance. The aim of this study was to obtain the test-retest reliability of measurements on Maximal Mouth Opening (MMO), shoulder and neck function, lower and upper body strength, level of mobility and walking ability
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