| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立台北護理學院 === 聽語障礙科學研究所 === 92 === The purpose of this study is to investigate early radiation effects on tongue function, swallowing function, and swallow quality of life for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to provide scientific database to make early intervention plans. Twelve subjects with NPC and 12 age- and sex- matched normal subjects were included. Tongue maximum isometric strength and endurance at 50% of maximum strength were obtained with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) for normal subjects once, and NPC subjects pre- and 2 months post radiation treatment. Measures of swallowing function and swallow quality of life were obtained using videofluoroscopy (VFS) and SWAL-QOL respectively, for subjects with NPC both pre- and 2 months posttreatment. No significant differences were found in tongue function measures for normal and NPC groups both pre- and posttreatment. No significant differences were found in the tongue function measures pre- and 2 months posttreatment. When comparing pre- to 2 months posttreatment, significant increase is shown on both percent pharyngeal residue at paste and the number of swallows at 10 ml thin liquid. Significant correlations of tongue strength and endurance and some swallow measures were found in pretreatment. When comparing pre- to 2 months posttreatment, significant decrease is shown on the eating habits and general health aspects of SWAL-QOL. This study shows radiation has impacts on some swallow measures and swallow quality of life. Therefore, it is worthwhile to make early intervention and prevention to improve the quality of life for NPC patients.
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