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

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorCase Comprehensive Cancer Center

About this trial

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 criteria

Qualifiers

≥18 years of age

No prior history of head and neck cancer

No prior history of radiation

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

Disqualifiers

Distant metastasis at enrollment

Previously seen and treated by speech and language pathologist for dysphagia or dysarthria for non-head and neck cancer causes

Prior head and neck radiation

Requires mandibulectomy or >50% resection of native tongue

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Tongueometer

Treatment groups

40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups