Data from: Effects of chemoradiation and tongue exercise on swallow biomechanics and bolus kinematics

Background: Common treatments for head and neck cancer (radiation and
chemotherapy) can lead to dysphagia; tongue exercise is a common
intervention. This study aimed to assess swallow biomechanics and bolus
kinematics using a well-established rat model of radiation or
chemoradiation treatment to the tongue base, with or without tongue
exercise intervention. Methods: Pre- and post-treatment videofluoroscopy
was conducted on thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with
radiation/chemoradiation and exercise/no exercise. Rats in the exercise
groups completed a progressive resistance tongue training paradigm.
Swallow biomechanics, bolus kinematics, jaw opening, and post-swallow
respiration were assessed. Results: Both treatments impacted outcome
measures; the addition of exercise intervention showed benefit for some
measures, particularly in rats treated with radiation, vs. chemoradiation.
Conclusions: Radiation and chemoradiation can significantly affect aspects
of deglutition; combined treatment may result in worse outcomes. Tongue
exercise intervention can mitigate deficits; more intensive intervention
may be warranted in proportion to combined treatment.