Introduction: Dysphagia in head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy affects day-to-day functioning and quality of life. Essential to supporting these patients is the development of a swallowing rehabilitation protocol that considers the patient’s experience and needs. Objective: The study’s objective was to track the progress of functional oral intake while assessing the impact of a novel rehabilitation program that combines motor imagery and motor execution on the quality of life of individuals with dysphagia undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Method: Participants (n = 20) undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer completed a novel swallowing rehabilitation protocol that combined motor imagery and motor execution. Participants were assessed weekly using the Functional Oral Intake Scale and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Results: Results showed maintenance of oral intake of food by all participants from baseline to the end of the radiation treatment. Although a decrease in composite, physical, emotional and functional subscales of MDADI was seen, the reduction in scores between time points remained relatively small, suggesting that the motor imagery and motor execution rehabilitation program may have helped to mitigate the radiation treatment’s impact on quality of life. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential benefits of our combined motor imagery and motor execution protocol in administering prophylactic exercises in persons undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to develop a swallowing rehabilitation protocol using the PETTLEP model to support participation of individuals with head and neck cancer while undergoing radiation treatment. Methods: A swallowing rehabilitation protocol combining motor execution and motor imagery was used by twenty participants with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation treatment. The motor imagery components were constructed utilizing the PETTLEP model and its seven elements. Participants self-reported daily completion of the swallowing rehabilitation program and tracked pain in the mouth and throat region weekly. Results: Results noted average weekly participation above 50% and 45% of participants demonstrating strong participation throughout radiation treatment. Statistical significance was documented during participation between the first week and last week of treatment. Average weekly pain ratings throughout the duration of radiation treatment ranged from 1.21 - 5.17. Statistically significant differences were noted between weekly pain ratings. No difference between motor execution and motor imagery was observed for participation, but a significant difference was noted between the two modalities for pain. Conclusions: Our protocol presented a potential framework for incorporating motor imagery into rehabilitation protocols for individuals with dysphagia who are unable to execute movements. Results suggest motor imagery is a promising method to improve participation in swallowing rehabilitation for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.