This study examined the effects of a physical therapy program on quality of life (QOL), and neck and shoulder disability in head and neck cancer patients. The program included neck and shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises, massage, progressive strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises. Sixteen patients who were assigned to an experimental group performed physical therapy for 40 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. Fifteen other patients were assigned to a control group who did not performed the physical therapy program. The European organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) and head and neck (EORTC QLQ-H&N) instruments, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program. The 40-minute program consisted of a 10-minute ROM exercise for the neck and shoulder, a 10-minute massage and 15-minute of progressive resistance exercises, followed by a five-minute stretching exercises. Statistically significant differences were noted for changes in global health, physical function in the EORTC QLQ-C30 and cancer related symptoms in the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 (p<.05). The NDI also showed significant differences (p<.05). Physical therapy may therefore benefit the physical aspects and QOL and improve neck and shoulder disability in patients with head and neck cancer.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) in the acute stroke care setting. Twenty patients with their first stroke were evaluated using STREAM, BBS, and MBI initially and at 4 weeks. The data was analyzed using the independent t-test, paired t-test, and the Pearson product moment correlation analysis. The scores on the STREAM were strongly associated with the scores on both the BBS and MBI (with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from .88 to .95), and there was significant improvement between the initial scores and those obtained four weeks later for STREAM, BBS, and MBI (p=.001, p=.001, p<.001). The results suggest that STREAM may be able to reflect functional recovery and to assess voluntary movement in patients who have suffered an acute stroke.