At a glance
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Effects of Prophylactic Swallowing Exercises on Dysphagia and Quality of Life in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Early rehabilitation and Late rehabilitation for Cancer of Head and Neck. Completed, enrolled 52 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Head and neck cancer has a negative impact in swallowing function and quality of life. Rehabilitation has proven its usefulness after radiation therapy (RT), but some studies suggest that interventions should be initiated prior to RT sessions. This study aims to evaluate the effects of prophylactic rehabilitation on swallowing and quality of life. The study pretends to establish a preventive rehabilitative program with the target of reducing RT side effects and improve patients' quality of life.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Early swallowing exercises and respiratory muscle training: Standard swallow therapy and instructions for training submental muscles involved in swallowing function and expiratory strength starting 2 weeks before radiotherapy Expiratory/Inspiratory training: the training load is the maximum inspiratory/expiratory load defined according to patient tolerance. This load will be equivalent to 10 maximal repetitions (RM) as 10 consecutive inspirations (x 5 sessions), three times a day. All sessions will be conducted under the supervision of an expert physiotherapist/swallowing therapist. The total duration of the training program is 6 months.
Late swallowing exercises and respiratory muscle training: Standard swallow therapy and instructions for training submental muscles involved in swallowing function and expiratory strength starting after completing radiotherapy