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

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Abstract
Background: This study investigated the effects of 2 different swallowing exercise regimens performed during radiation therapy with/without chemotherapy on swallowing function.Methods: 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.Results: 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%).Conclusion: Findings indicate significant benefits of the exercise group's exercise regimen in reducing PEG dependence and oral intake difficulties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 162‐170, 2015

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