Feasibility of Prospective Surveillance and Early Physical Therapy for Trismus

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Early physical therapy intervention: Physical therapy including manual therapy, home exercises for the neck and jaw, and use of a jaw stretching device.

Study summary

Trismus, or restricted jaw movement, can occur in individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing surgery or radiation therapy. There is a paucity of research examining interventions for trismus. We aim to assess the feasibility of prospective surveillance and early intervention to mitigate trismus in individuals undergoing HNC treatment.

Method: The investigators will conduct a pilot single group feasibility study involving 30 individuals with HNC who will be undergoing radiation therapy. Participants will be identified at the HNC new patient clinic. Participants will be seen weekly during radiation therapy and will receive early intervention including manual therapy and a device-based jaw exercise regimen if presenting with 5% or greater reduction in jaw opening compared to pre-treatment.

The investigators will assess recruitment and completion rates, intervention acceptability, and data collection procedures. Descriptive statistics will summarize feasibility metrics and participant demographics. Findings will inform the design of a larger multicentre trial.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Feasibility: completion rate — 2 years
  Number of participants completing the study.

Trial sites (1)

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