Randomised feasibility study to compare the use of Therabite^® with wooden spatulas to relieve and prevent trismus in patients with cancer of the head and neck.

ABSTRACT: Our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Therabite^® jaw motion rehabilitation system (Atos Medical) with that of wooden spatulas to relieve and prevent trismus in patients who have had radiotherapy for stage three and four oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Secondary aims were to assess the feasibility and the impact of exercise on health-related quality of life (QoL), and the use of health services after treatment. We designed a randomised, open-label, controlled, three-centre feasibility study to compare the effectiveness and cost of the Therabite^® and wooden spatulas. We studied compliance with exercises and health-related QoL, assessed cost using three health economics measures, and conducted semistructured interviews with patients. Patients were randomised into two

SUBMITTER: Lee R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5948182 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature