COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE MAXIMUM MOUTH OPENING BETWEEN DYNAMIC AND STATIC JAW EXERCISE IN IRRADIATED HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective : To compare the effects on maximum mouth opening distance between dynamic and static jaw exercise in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Materials and methods : The maximum mouth opening distance (MMOD) of 66 head and neck cancer patients who received radiotherapy and performed the dynamic (20 patients) and static (19 patients) jaw exercise were measured at pre-radiotherapy , every two weeks during radiation course ,the last day of radiotherapy and 6 months after treatment. The questionnaire on their quality of life and compliance with jaw exercise technique were collected at the last follow-up day. The percentage of MMOD change between pre-treatment and 6 month post-treatment of both groups were compared using independent t-test (a= 0.05). Result : The average MMOD changes were 9.58% ±13.89% and 4.55% ± 18.84% reduction in dynamic and static group, respectively. Independent t-test revealed no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.347). Both groups were well tolerated with the jaw exercise and the reduction of their MMOD had no effects on their quality of lives. Conclusion : There was no significant effect on MMOD between dynamic or static jaw exercise technique in patients with radiotherapy of head and neck.