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Supportive Care in Cancer

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Open Access 01-08-2016 | Original Article

Dynasplint Trismus System exercises for trismus secondary to head and neck cancer: a prospective explorative study

Authors: Jolanda I. Kamstra, Harry Reintsema, Jan L. N. Roodenburg, Pieter U. Dijkstra

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The Dynasplint Trismus System (DTS) can be used to treat trismus secondary to head and neck cancer. We conducted a prospective study with the following aims: (1) to determine the effects of DTS exercises on changes in mouth opening, pain, mandibular function, quality of life (QoL), and symptomatology and (2) to analyze the patients’ perception on DTS exercises, including user satisfaction, experiences, comfort, and compliance.

Methods

The patients were instructed to exercise with the DTS for at least 16 weeks. Changes in mouth opening, pain, mandibular function, QoL, and symptomatology were evaluated, as well as the patients’ perception of DTS exercises.

Results

Eighteen consecutive patients were included. Baseline mouth opening was 22.6 mm (sd 7.6). After the patients completed the DTS exercise program, mouth opening increased (7.1 mm, sd 4.7) and perceived difficulty of opening the mouth improved significantly (p < 0.05). No significant effects were found in mandibular function, QoL, and overall symptomatology. The patients’ perception was diverse. They reported effectiveness and positive feelings of the results and would recommend DTS exercises to other patients. About half of them thought DTS exercises were burdensome.

Conclusions

Mouth opening increased significantly after the DTS exercise program, relative to baseline. About one third of the gained increase was lost in the follow-up period. In general, the patients were satisfied about the effects and the DTS exercise program.

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Title: Dynasplint Trismus System exercises for trismus secondary to head and neck cancer: a prospective explorative study
Authors: Jolanda I. Kamstra
Harry Reintsema
Jan L. N. Roodenburg
Pieter U. Dijkstra
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3131-4

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