Impact of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) on Swallowing Function in Persons Undergoing Radiotherapy With or Without Chemotherapy (CRT) for Cancers of the Head and Neck (HNCA)
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Summary
This study is a randomized trial examining the impact of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on maintenance of safe and efficient oropharyngeal swallow function in persons with cancer of the head and neck (HNCA) undergoing treatment with radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT).
Description
Thirty (30) persons with newly-diagnosed HNCA who will be treated with RT/CRT will be randomized to an 8-week program of either Active Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) + Standard Care or Sham EMST + Standard Care in order to examine the impact of EMST on swallowing function. The training program will consist of 5 sets of 5 breaths, 5 days per week for 8 weeks, coincident with RT/CRT. Patients randomized to the Active EMST group will use the EMST150 (product name) expiratory muscle strength trainer according to package instructions. Those randomized to the Sham EMST group will use an…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * New diagnosis of cancer in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx; * Planned treatment with primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy; * Age 18 or older and able to provide consent; * Ability to use the EMST150 device (hold in mouth and maintain lip seal) Exclusion Criteria: * Primary surgery to the head and neck (neck dissection is permitted); * Unknown primary tumor; * Primary cancers of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and skin. * Progressive neurologic condition affecting muscle strength (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A…
Interventions
- OtherEMST
Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is an exercise program designed to strengthen the muscles of expiration by increasing expiratory load during breathing exercises using either resistive or pressure threshold devices. The EMST150 is a commercially-available device considered non-significant risk (NSR). The EMST150 device will be used for this study.
Locations (2)
- University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeMilwaukee, Wisconsin
- Froedtert HospitalMilwaukee, Wisconsin