Study to Explore Post Surgical Outcomes Using Point-of-Gaze, Electromyography and Elastography of the SCM

The side effects following post surgical neck dissection treatment for tumours in the head and neck (HN) region are weakness of the shoulder and neck muscles, numbness and reduced sensation around the neck and shoulder region and a general impact on the participant's overall fitness. While survival has been emphasized as an important outcome, recovery of treatment-related morbidity and return to pre-treatment quality of life (QOL) for participants after cancer treatment is equally important. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle functions to turn the head to the left or right. In particular while performing neck dissections, SCM dissection is a common step. The side effects of SCM dissection is a stiff neck or reduced neck movements. To objectively measure the outcome of the SCM muscle function, it is necessary to determine what is the normal range of motion in healthy subjects turning to the left and right to look at objects in a specific location or Point-of gaze (POG) procedure, as well as the Electromyography (EMG) of the SCM during the movement. In this normative study, 20 healthy subjects will be recruited to perform this POG assessment as well as EMG and Elastography (ETG) testing of the SCM on the left and right side. Outcome measures will include 1. neck range of motion for flexion, side flexion and rotation 2. EMG activation patterns for SCM 2\) muscle thickness \& stiffness (as determined by grey scale ultrasound (US) and ETG, respectively) of the SCM The investigators hypothesize that there will not be any significant differences of POG, EMG and ETG measurements between the left and right side of the SCM in healthy subjects.

Sex

All

Minimum age

21 Years

Maximum age

70 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to give informed consent
* BMI between 18 to 34

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Individuals with pain in the neck/shoulder or have a history of shoulder/neck surgery or trauma, or any known shoulder/neck pathology such as rheumatologic disorders, or prior neurological disease affecting the upper extremity such as stroke.