A new study, funded by the Irish Cancer Society will identify the exercise rehabilitation needs of patients with head and neck cancer. The research is led by Dr Grainne Sheill, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Cancer Rehabilitation in St. James's Hospital and Professor Juliette Hussey, Trinity College Dublin. There is no clear rehabilitation pathway for patients with head and neck cancer experiencing physical impairments and treatment side-effects such as fatigue and muscle weakness. The development of specialised exercise rehabilitation programmes for patients recovering from treatment is needed. This study will include a national survey and qualitative interviews to determine the exercise rehabilitation needs of people with head and neck cancer. Results will inform the design of an exercise-based rehabilitation programme. A group of patients will complete the programme after their treatment head and neck cancer and will provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the programme.

Commenting on the award for this project, Grainne said.

“Cancer Rehabilitation during and after head and neck cancer treatment is vital to maintain quality of life. However, there is a lack of exercise-based rehabilitation programmes available for patients and often many times patients are unaware there are options to assist with their side effects. This is a brilliant opportunity to work with patients and healthcare professionals to design and deliver a physiotherapy led exercise rehabilitation programme for this group.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Grainne Sheill

Principal Investigator & Postdoctoral Research Fellow,

Senior Physiotherapist