Effect of tongue-strengthening exercises on tongue strength and swallowing-related parameters in chronic radiation-associated dysphagia

Leen Van den Steen; Margot Baudelet; Peter Tomassen; Katrien Bonte; Marc De Bodt; Gwen Van Nuffelen

doi:10.1002/hed.26179

Effect of tongue-strengthening exercises on tongue strength and swallowing-related parameters in chronic radiation-associated dysphagia

Head Neck. 2020 Sep;42(9):2298-2307. doi: 10.1002/hed.26179. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Authors

Leen Van den Steen^{1

2}, Margot Baudelet^{2

3

4}, Peter Tomassen⁵, Katrien Bonte⁵, Marc De Bodt^{1

2

4}, Gwen Van Nuffelen^{1

2

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rehabilitation Center for Communication Disorders, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
² Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
³ Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
⁴ Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
⁵ Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

PMID: 32352198
DOI: 10.1002/hed.26179

Abstract

Background: Radiation-associated dysphagia (RAD) is highly prevalent in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, with insufficient tongue strength (TS) as a characteristic of this disabling complication. The effects of tongue-strengthening exercises (TSE) on TS, swallowing, and quality of life (QoL) have not been studied in this population.

Methods: A prospective phase 2 study using an 8 weeks during TSE protocol was carried out in 15 patients with chronic RAD. Outcome parameters were maximal isometric pressure (MIP), TS during swallowing (Pswal), swallowing function, and QoL. All parameters were evaluated at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of training, and 4 weeks after the last training session.

Results: MIP increased significantly, without detraining effects. Pswal did not increase significantly, but relevant effect sizes were measured. Swallowing function ameliorated, but did not result in increased functional oral intake, self-reported outcome or QoL.

Conclusion: TSE in patients with RAD results in increased strength and swallowing function.

Keywords: dysphagia; head and neck cancer; radiation-associated dysphagia; rehabilitation; tongue-strengthening exercises.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders* / etiology
Humans
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life*
Tongue* / physiopathology