Effectiveness of WeChat-Supported Neck Rehabilitation Exercises on Early Recovery After Thyroidectomy

NCT07707401 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2026-KY-277(K)
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 200
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and implementation outcomes of a WeChat mini program-supported tele-neck rehabilitation exercises for improving early postoperative neck recovery after thyroidectomy.

Conditions

Thyroid Diseases; Thyroid Cancer; Surgery; Postoperative Pain

Keywords

Tele-exercise program; Telehealth; Health-related quality of life; Postoperative rehabilitation; Thyroidectomy; Neck exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) Score

  The NPDS is used to evaluate post-surgical neck pain and its multi-dimensional impact on daily living, emotions, work, and social activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing more severe neck pain and structural functional impairment.

  Postoperative day 3, week 1, week 2, and month 1

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Neck Movement Pain Score

  Postoperative day 3, week 1, week 2, and month 1

• Digital Health App Adherence and Feasibility Metrics

  Up to 1 month post-operation

• Incidence of Surgical Complications and Intervention-Related Adverse Events

  Up to 1 month post-operation

• Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)

  Postoperative week 1 and month 1

Study Arms (2)

WeChat-supported tele-rehabilitation group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the WeChat-supported tele-rehabilitation group received WeChat mini program-supported postoperative neck exercise management.

Behavioral: WeChat-supported Neck Rehabilitation Exercise; Behavioral: Standardized Postoperative Care and Video Education

Routine care group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the routine care group did not receive WeChat mini program-supported postoperative neck exercise management.

Behavioral: Standardized Postoperative Care and Video Education

Interventions

WeChat-supported Neck Rehabilitation Exercise BEHAVIORAL

WeChat mini program-supported neck exercise management includes daily exercise reminders, exercise check-ins, symptom reporting, automated abnormal symptom prompts, and standardized remote feedback from the research team.

WeChat-supported tele-rehabilitation group

Standardized Postoperative Care and Video Education BEHAVIORAL

This intervention consists of standard clinical postoperative care and discharge education, encompassing wound management, follow-up appointments, and generic neck activity guidelines. Prior to discharge or upon clinical stability, participants undergo a one-time, face-to-face training session with research staff featuring practical exercise demonstrations and behavioral precautions, and are provided with identical instructional video materials for home reference.

Routine care group; WeChat-supported tele-rehabilitation group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Undergoing thyroid surgery
• Postoperative condition stable, with the attending physician assessing the patient as fit for neck movement
• Willing to participate in the study, complete scheduled follow-ups, and sign a written informed consent form

You may not qualify if:

• History of prior thyroid or neck surgery
• History of cervical spondylosis, cervical spine surgery, neck trauma, or other conditions affecting neck mobility
• Postoperative complications rendering the patient unsuitable for neck movement training, such as confirmed recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, chyle leak, or complications requiring reoperation or prolonged drainage, or incision infection
• Persistent postoperative dizziness or other conditions unsuitable for exercise
• Unable to use WeChat and lacking assistance from family members

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai 6th People's Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200233, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Thyroid Diseases; Thyroid Neoplasms; Pain, Postoperative

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Endocrine System Diseases; Endocrine Gland Neoplasms; Neoplasms by Site; Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Central Study Contacts

Ling Zhan, Dr

CONTACT

+8615821120972; rebecca0428zhan@163.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 13, 2026
• First Posted: July 16, 2026
• Study Start: July 13, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2029
• Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)