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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial: tongue strengthening exercises in head and neck cancer patients, does exercise load matter?

Authors: Gwen Van Nuffelen, Leen Van den Steen, Olivier Vanderveken, Pol Specenier, Carl Van Laer, Diane Van Rompaey, Cindy Guns, Steven Mariën, Marc Peeters, Paul Van de Heyning, Jan Vanderwegen, Marc De Bodt

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Reduced tongue strength is an important factor contributing to early and late dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients previously treated with chemoradiotherapy. The evidence is growing that tongue strengthening exercises can improve tongue strength and swallowing function in both healthy and dysphagic subjects. However, little is known about the impact of specific features of an exercise protocol for tongue strength on the actual outcome (strength or swallowing function). Previous research originating in the fields of sports medicine and physical rehabilitation shows that the degree of exercise load is an influential factor for increasing muscle strength in the limb skeletal muscles. Since the tongue is considered a muscular hydrostat, it remains to be proven whether the same concepts will apply.

Methods/Design

This ongoing randomized controlled trial in chemoradiotherapy-treated patients with head and neck cancer investigates the effect of three tongue strengthening exercise protocols, with different degrees of exercise load, on tongue strength and swallowing. At enrollment, 51 patients whose dysphagia is primarily related to reduced tongue strength are randomly assigned to a training schedule of 60, 80, or 100 % of their maximal tongue strength. Patients are treated three times a week for 8 weeks, executing 120 repetitions of the assigned exercise once per training day. Exercise load is progressively adjusted every 2 weeks. Patients are evaluated before, during and after treatment by means of tongue strength measurements, fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and quality-of-life questionnaires.

Discussion

This randomized controlled trial is the first to systematically investigate the effect of different exercise loads in tongue strengthening exercise protocols. The results will allow the development of more efficacious protocols.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14447678.
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Metadata
Title
Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial: tongue strengthening exercises in head and neck cancer patients, does exercise load matter?
Authors
Gwen Van Nuffelen
Leen Van den Steen
Olivier Vanderveken
Pol Specenier
Carl Van Laer
Diane Van Rompaey
Cindy Guns
Steven Mariën
Marc Peeters
Paul Van de Heyning
Jan Vanderwegen
Marc De Bodt
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0889-5

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