Conclusions:No positive effects of early preventive rehabilitation could be identified. The results do not contradict the proposition that rehabilitation based on self-care can be effective but it is important to establish evidence-based training programs and identify proper instruments for selection of patients and evaluation of intervention. Objectives: Patients with head and neck cancer suffer from functional impairments due to intense treatment. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an experimental early preventive rehabilitation using hard, objective end points in a nonselective, longitudinal, prospective cohort study. Methods: In all, 190 patients were included in the program and received instructions for training before the start of treatment with the aim of reducing swallowing problems and reducing mouth opening and stiffness in the neck. A control group of 184 patients was recruited. Results: There was no difference in weight loss and 2-year survival between the two groups. No positive effects concerning functional impairments were found in patient-reported outcome measures.

In patients treated with external beam radiation (EBRT), modified radical neck dissection induced additional morbidity regarding CROM but not regarding mouth opening, swallowing, and lymphedema 1 year after treatment. Both modified radical neck dissection and supraomohyoidal neck dissection induced shoulder disability.

Background: Trismus is a common complication of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer but its impact on survival is unknown. Aims/Objectives: This prospective study evaluates the incidence of trismus in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy and the impact of trismus on 5-year overall survival. Material and methods: Two hundred forty-four patients with head and neck cancer were included. All patients received instructions on jaw exercises and were evaluated before initiation of radiotherapy and at 2, 6, and 12 months after termination of radiotherapy. Results: One year after treatment 25% had a reduced maximum interincisal opening (MIO) of 13 mm or more as compared to the pretreatment MIO. Trismus was most prevalent in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. A trend towards worse 5-year overall survival was seen among patients with trismus. Conclusions: The trismus rate was approximately 30% at 12 months. Jaw exercises should primarily be offered to patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer who are most likely to benefit. Further studies are required to investigate the effect of trismus on survival. Significance: This study identifies patients likely to benefit from jaw exercises and provides basis for further research on trismus and survival. ARTICLE HISTORY