Clinical Report: Efficacy of the Shaker Head-Lift Exercise in HNC Patients

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Shaker head-lift exercise (HLE) in improving swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients experiencing radiation-induced dysphagia over one year.

Background

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are increasingly prevalent, with radiation therapy often leading to dysphagia in survivors. Dysphagia can significantly impact quality of life, nutrition, and increase the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• The Shaker head-lift exercise targets the suprahyoid muscles to improve upper esophageal sphincter function.
• Radiotherapy for HNC can lead to chronic dysphagia affecting 45% to 85.5% of survivors.
• Evidence on the effectiveness of swallowing exercises, including HLE, is limited.
• Long-term follow-up and instrumental assessment are essential for evaluating dysphagia interventions.
• High-quality randomized studies are needed to determine optimal rehabilitation approaches for dysphagia in HNC patients.

Clinical Implications

Speech-language pathologists should assess swallowing function in HNC patients and consider the Shaker head-lift exercise as part of rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The Shaker head-lift exercise may offer benefits for HNC patients with dysphagia, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Related Resources & Content

1. ElGawad Sallam, Farhan Alshammari, Head & Neck, 2026 -- Efficacy of the Shaker Head-Lift Exercise
2. The ASCO Post — Swallowing-Related Quality of Life After Radiotherapy vs Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
3. the asco post — Reduced Elective Dose in Definitive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
4. Frontiers in Neurology — Correction: Rehabilitation of post-stroke dysphagia using swallowing exercises: a quasi-experimental pre–post study
5. Frontiers in Neurology — Multimodal neuroimaging protocol to explore the neural mechanisms of Tiao Shen Li Yan acupuncture in post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial
6. NCCN Head and Neck Cancers Guideline
7. Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Guidance | RCSLT
8. Adult Dysphagia Practice Portal
9. Treatment With the Shaker Head‐Lift Exercise in Head and Neck Cancer Patients With Radiation‐Induced Dysphagia: 12‐Month Results on Swallowing Function From a Randomized, Controlled Trial - Rödseth Smith - Head & Neck - Wiley Online Library
10. Evaluating Behavioural Interventions for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Swallowing Manoeuvres, Exercises, and Postural Techniques
11. The ReDyor study: Effects of prophylactic swallowing exercises on dysphagia and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiation therapy, a randomized clinical trial - PubMed