title: Impact of neck dissection on scapular muscle function: a case-controlled electromyographic study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the dynamic activity of scapular muscles in patients with accessory nerve dysfunction after neck dissection surgery, compared with both their unaffected side and with age- and sex-matched controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control investigation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physiotherapy department of a hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two groups of 10 participants were recruited. One group consisted of neck dissection patients with demonstrated clinical signs of accessory nerve injury. The second group was composed of matched healthy individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surface electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, rhomboid major, and serratus anterior muscles was compared dynamically during scapular strengthening exercises.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electromyographic activity comparisons were made between the neck dissection affected side, the neck dissection unaffected side, and the matched healthy control side. Raw data and data expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The neck dissection affected side demonstrated significantly less upper trapezius and middle trapezius muscle activity compared with the neck dissection unaffected side and matched control group. The neck dissection unaffected side had significantly less upper trapezius muscle activity than the matched control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trapezius muscle activity is significantly reduced in accessory nerve shoulder dysfunction as a result of neck dissection, both in the affected and unaffected sides. This needs to be considered in the rehabilitation of this patient group.
authors.affiliation: Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Aoife.McGarvey@calvarymater.org.au
authors.forename: Aoife C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: McGarvey
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Osmotherly
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Pauline E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Chiarelli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012540:Scapula / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology*