Resisance Exercise in Motor Function of the Shoulder Joint Complex in Patients after Post Cervical Dissection: Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Head and neck cancer encompasses neoplasms that affect the oral and nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx, thyroid gland and salivary glands. Among the treatments, cervical dissection is commonly used, but it can cause motor dysfunction.  Objective: To investigate the effects of resistance exercises on motor function of the shoulder joint complex after cervical dissection. Method: Systematic review of clinical trials performed by searching the Medline, PEDro and LILACS databases; with combinations of descriptors: Neck Dissection, Shoulder, Rehabilitation and their correlates, carried out between February and April 2020. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed by the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 4 studies, published between 2004 and 2019, were included. The repercussions of resistance exercise on pain, range of motion (ROM), quality of life (QOL) and muscle strength (MS) outcomes were analyzed. It was found that the investigated intervention provided reduction of pain, increase in ROM and gain in MS, of the shoulder joint complex, however none of the clinical trials identified significant gains in QOL. Conclusion: According to the reviewed studies, resistance exercise has the potential to promote improvement in the motor function of the shoulder joint complex, given the benefits found in MS and ROM. Such improvements can contribute to the performance of daily living activities involving the upper limbs, enabling greater functional independence for patients.