title: Effects of 2 different swallowing exercise regimens during organ-preservation therapies for head and neck cancers on swallowing function.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated the effects of 2 different swallowing exercise regimens performed during radiation therapy with/without chemotherapy on swallowing function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients were recruited prospectively to 2 groups (the exercise group, n = 26 and the repetitive swallow group, n = 24). Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placements were compared at posttreatment and at 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The exercise group eliminated significantly more PEG tubes at 3 months posttreatment compared to the swallow group (16% vs 50%). Among patients who received both radiation and chemotherapy, the exercise group had significantly less PEG tubes immediately posttreatment as well as 3 months posttreatment (35% and 10%), compared to the swallow group (69% and 50%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate significant benefits of the exercise group's exercise regimen in reducing PEG dependence and oral intake difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
authors.forename: Aneesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Virani
authors.forename: Melda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kunduk
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McWhorter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: cancer; dysphagia; exercises; prophylactic; swallowing