Poor swallowing function has been found to be a major factor contributing to poor quality of life for patients who have undergone (chemo)radiotherapy to the head and neck area. There is provisional research to suggest that commencing swallowing exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles during and following (chemo)radiotherapy may result in improved swallowing function and thus, improved quality of life.
To examine the efficacy of an exercise program, patients with head and neck cancer were recruited from the William Buckland Radiotherapy Centre and given a swallowing exercise program two weeks prior to commencing their (chemo)radiotherapy. They were instructed to complete the exercise program daily until 3 months post completion of their treatment.
Videofluoroscopy swallowing assessments were completed prior to commencing the exercise program and at 3 and 6 months post (chemo) radiotherapy. Repeated measures of patients’ oral intake, weight, tongue strength, range of jaw movement, extent of side effects on oral health and quality of life were collected using standardised assessments at these time points. Measures of compliance with the exercise program were collected. This comprised of the patient demonstrating the exercises during reviews and completing an exercise diary.
Preliminary results of the practicality and effectiveness of the exercise program, as measured by patient compliance, on swallowing ability and quality of life will be examined in this paper.
This project was funded by SMICS (Southern Metropolitan Integrated Cancer Services) as part of the Supportive Care Research Grants 2010-2011