Objective To improve the swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Methods A total of 46 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy were divided into a control group (n=21) and an intervention group (n=25) based on their admission time.The control group received routine preventive swallowing training during treatment, while the intervention group received additional music therapy.After 6 weeks of intervention, swallowing training compliance, swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.
Results Totally, 20 patients in the intervention group and 18 in the control group completed the study.After 6 weeks, the intervention group showed significantly better swallowing function, training compliance, and nutritional scores compared to the control group (all P＜0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in quality of life between the two groups (P＞0.05).
Conclusion Preventive swallowing training combined with music therapy can protect swallowing function and reduce the incidence of malnutrition in these patients.
