Preventive Physical Activity Intervention in Head and Neck Cancer

Preventive Randomized Study Regarding Physical Activity Intervention for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: the Effect of Preventive Intervention for Physical Activity, Function and Quality of Life

The study includes patients with tumors of the oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx scheduled to receive radiotherapy with curative intent (+/- chemotherapy). The patients will be randomized into either an intervention group (performing a preventive physical activity protocol before and during radiotherapy) or a control group not performing a specified physical exercise protocol. All patients will be in contact with with a speech language pathologist or a physical therapist weekly during radiotherapy. The study is expected to improve physical function and quality of life during and after oncologic treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• Head and neck cancer (tumors of the oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx)
• Receiving radiohterapy (+/- chemotherapy) with curative intent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Surgery due to head and neck cancer
• Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
• Tracheostomized patients
• Inability to perform exercise intervention
• Inability to perform part of 6-minute walking test
• Inability to independently fill out questionnaires in Swedish
• Previous neurologic or neuromuscular disease