Effects of 2 different swallowing exercise regimens during organ‐preservation therapies for head and neck cancers on swallowing function

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of 2 different swallowing exercise regimens performed during radiation therapy with/without chemotherapy on swallowing function. Fifty patients were recruited prospectively to 2 groups (the exercise group, n = 26 and the repetitive swallow group, n = 24). Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placements were compared at posttreatment and at 3 months. The exercise group eliminated significantly more PEG tubes at 3 months posttreatment compared to the swallow group (16% vs 50%). Among patients who received both radiation and chemotherapy, the exercise group had significantly less PEG tubes immediately posttreatment as well as 3 months posttreatment (35% and 10%), compared to the swallow group (69% and 50%). Findings indicate significant benefits of the exercise group's exercise regimen in reducing PEG dependence and oral intake difficulties.