Implementation of the Vienna Hydrotherapy Group for Laryngectomees--a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Laryngectomy involves several problems for the individual, such as the need to cope with a stoma, adjustment to tracheostomal breathing, and the formation of a voice. Contact with water, resulting in aspiration, may prove fatal for laryngectomized patients in the absence of appropriate aids. The aim of this pilot study was to conduct a hydrotherapy group for laryngectomized patients and to evaluate its feasibility and outcome in relation to the goals of therapy.


METHODS
Six male patients who had undergone laryngectomy were included in a pilot study. The patients underwent a structured hydrotherapy rehabilitation program (three times a week for 8 weeks), using a special underwater therapy device. The patients' posture was controlled by posturography and their endurance capacity by standard ergometry and the 6-min walk. The parameters of fatigue, expectoration, mobility, elasticity/flexibility, postural control/coordination, and general well being were registered on a visual analog scale (VAS). Quality of life was assessed by having the patients fill out the German version of the SF-36 Health Survey.


RESULTS
Posturograpy findings showed an improvement of two subtests ( p<0.028). Exercise testing showed an improved endurance capacity ( p<0.028). The patients were able to walk a greater distance in the 6-min walking test ( p<0.028). The VAS also showed an improvement of endurance capacity ( p<0.028), fatigue ( p<0.028), expectoration ( p<0.043), mobility of the neck and shoulder ( p<0.027), flexibility ( p<0.027), postural control and coordination ( p<0.028), and general well being ( p<0.028). On the SF-36 Health Survey, the patients were improved in the items "Physical functioning" ( p<0.027), "Vitality" ( p<0.027) "Role-physical" ( p<0.026), and "Social functioning" ( p<0.043).


CONCLUSIONS
A hydrotherapy group for laryngectomized patients proved to be safe, feasible, and effective in this pilot study.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001317:Austria; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome