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Efficacy of a novel swallowing exercise program for chronic dysphagia in long‐term head and neck cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Kraaijenga Sophie A. C.,
Molen Lisette van der,
Stuiver Martijn M.,
Takes Robert P.,
AlMamgani Abrahim,
Brekel Michiel W. M. van den,
Hilgers Frans J. M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.24710
Subject(s) - swallowing , medicine , dysphagia , chin , head and neck cancer , physical therapy , tongue , physical medicine and rehabilitation , compliance (psychology) , cancer , surgery , psychology , pathology , anatomy , social psychology
Background The efficacy of rehabilitative exercises for chronic dysphagia treatment in head and neck cancer survivors has not been studied extensively and is ambiguous. Methods A prospective clinical phase II study using an intensive strength training program was carried out in 17 head and neck cancer survivors with chronic dysphagia. Both swallow and nonswallow exercises were performed for 6‐8 weeks with a newly developed tool allowing for progressive muscle overload, including chin tuck, jaw opening, and effortful swallow exercises. Outcome parameters were feasibility, compliance, and parameters for effect. Results Feasibility in terms of the program completion rate was 88%. Compliance with the exercises was 97%. After the training period, chin tuck, jaw opening, and anterior tongue strength had substantially improved. All but 1 patient reported to benefit from the exercises. Conclusion Feasibility and compliance were high. Some objective and subjective effects of progressive load on muscle strength and swallowing function could be demonstrated.