Adherence to a Dysphagia Exercise Program by Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivors

Abstract Introduction: Adherence to a swallowing exercise protocol and a common compliance barrier, oral pain, was evaluated and described. Methods: A four-week dysphagia exercise program was completed by 12 individuals with a history of base of tongue cancer who were experiencing latent dysphagia. Adherence to a dysphagia exercise program was quantified. Focused outcome measures on oral pain related to dysphagia exercises and exercise related sense of effort were also included. Results: Moderate to strong adherence was reported by 75% of participants. Overall, 78.9% of exercise sessions were completed. Individuals reported little to no pain associated with dysphagia exercises throughout protocol participation. Conclusions: Routine reminders and establishment of a tracking method supported adherence with a dysphagia exercise protocol. Oral pain and sense of effort associated with completing oral and dysphagia exercises were not demonstrated to be barriers to participation in a dysphagia exercise program in people who are several years post radiation therapy completion. Keywords: dysphagia, oropharyngeal cancer, latent dysphagia, swallowing exercises