| Author: | Yeung, Lai-ching |
| Title: | Use of modified Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) : validation study |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2003 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Nasopharynx -- Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Complications Neck pain |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Pages: | x, 84 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | There is no known study investigating the effect of neck fibrosis on neck disability in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Quantification of the neck disability by reliable and valid measure is important for the evaluation of patients' progress. At present, there is no such tool available for these patients. The Chinese version of the Northwick Park Questionnaire (NPQ), used to assess the neck disability for patients with mechanical neck pain, was validated by Chiu et al (2001). Adoption of this questionnaire in patients with NPC was examined in this study. This study examined the content validity, the test-retest reliability, internal consistency and the construct validity of the modified NPQ. Two panels of 8 experienced physiotherapists and 5 patients with NPC were invited to review the questionnaire. Forty-three patients with NPC and neck discomfort were recruited from the Oncology and Physiotherapy departments in Prince of Wales Hospital. They were invited to complete the questionnaire twice with a seven-day interval. Their neck symptoms and physical parameters were examined carefully in the first visit. Range of neck motions and maximal isometric neck muscle strength were measured by using the Multi-Cervical Rehabilitation Unit. Level of the neck discomfort was rated by the Numeric Rating Scale. SF-36 health survey was used to assess their health status. The Physical parameters and SF-36 score were used to assess the convergent validity of the modified NPQ. Another group of 16 health subjects were recruited for contrast group comparison. Results demonstrated that the questionnaire had good content validity, high degree of test-retest reliability and internal consistency (One-way random model intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.94; Cronbach's alpha, 0.88). It also had good construct validity, with moderate correlation with most of the sub-scores of SF-36 ( rs , -0.43 to -0.71) and numeric rating scale ( rs = 0.69). the range of neck motions were weakly related to NPQ score. Only far correlation was shown in flexion, extension and rotations ( rs , -0.25 to -0.44). For the maximal isometric neck muscle strength, all directions showed fair correlation with the NPQ score with highest correlation coefficient in neck flexor strength ( rs = -0.51). In contrast group comparison, significant difference in the mean scores of the NPQ between the patients and the healthy individuals was demonstrated. Characteristics of neck disorder among the subjects were investigated as well. Neck discomfort was found to be at mild to moderate level, with concurrent neck and arm symptom as the most common pattern. Significant neck muscle weakness and limitation in neck motions were shown when compared to normative data (Chiu at al 2002). |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b17147360.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.96 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2536