Tongue Proactive Strengthening Exercise Program Following Partial/Hemi Glossectomy and Reconstruction

Summary

This study is being done to determine whether adding a proactive tongue strengthening exercise program using a biofeedback device (the Tongueometer) improves speech and swallowing outcomes after surgery for tongue cancer. Patients who undergo partial or hemiglossectomy often experience difficulties with speech and swallowing, which can significantly impact their quality of life. While speech and swallow therapy is typically provided in response to problems, this study investigates whether introducing structured tongue strengthening exercises with biofeedback early-can lead to better long-term outcomes. This research will help establish whether this approach should become part of standard post-operative care.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 years of age
2. No prior history of head and neck cancer
3. No prior history of radiation
4. Planned to undergo resection of ≤50% of the native tongue (partial/hemiglossectomy) with immediate reconstruction, including free flap reconstruction, and with or without neck dissection
5. Sufficiently fluent in written English, French, Spanish or Simplified Chinese to complete the study outcomes questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Distant metastasis at enrollment
2. Previously seen and treated by speech and language pathologist for dysphagia or dysarthria for non-head and neck cancer causes
3. Prior head and neck radiation
4. Requires mandibulectomy or \>50% resection of native tongue

Conditions3

Locations1 site

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