Background: The purpose of this pilot trial was to determine the feasibility of a self-managed lymphedema randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of a head and neck-specific exercise protocol.
Methods: Nine participants were randomized to receive usual treatment provided by an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital (n = 4) or usual treatment with an added head and neck exercise regime (n = 5). Feasibility was assessed through ease of recruitment, adherence, and safety. Lymphedema reduction and quality of life (QOL) data were assessed at baseline (0 week) and follow-up (6 weeks).
Results: The study was feasible in terms of safety and participant retention. However, a slow recruitment rate and low adherence may impact future trials. There were no significant differences in lymphedema reduction or QOL between groups.
Conclusion: This pilot feasibility study demonstrated that a self-management trial can be implemented, however, modifications will be required due to the slow recruitment and poor adherence rates.
Level of evidence: 1b: Individualized randomized control trial.
Keywords: head; lymphedema; neck; self‐management; treatment.
© 2020 The Authors. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Triological Society.