The effect of the Shaker head-lift exercise on swallowing function following treatment for head and neck cancer: Results from a randomized, controlled trial with videofluoroscopic evaluation

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia is common following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) and intervention to improve swallowing function is warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Shaker head-lift exercise (HLE) to improve dysphagia in HNC patients. Methods: Patients treated for HNC with radiochemotherapy and with subsequent dysphagia were randomly assigned to intervention (HLE, n = 25) and control (standard dysphagia management, n = 27) groups. Videofluoroscopic evaluation of penetration-aspiration, initiation, residue, movement of selected structures, and self-perceived swallowing function, before and after 8 weeks of treatment, were compared. Results: Although adherence to training was high, no statistically significant differences in objectively measured swallowing function between the groups or within-group changes were found. Self-perceived swallowing function improved in the intervention group. Conclusions: In this HNC population, neither HLE nor standard dysphagia management improved objectively measured swallowing function as evaluated after 8 weeks. Future research focusing on finding effective interventions for dysphagia is warranted.