Overview
The study includes patients with tumors of the oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx scheduled to receive radiotherapy with curative intent (+/- chemotherapy). The patients will be randomized into either an intervention group (performing a preventive physical activity protocol before and during radiotherapy) or a control group not performing a specified physical exercise protocol. All patients will be in contact with with a speech language pathologist or a physical therapist weekly during radiotherapy. The study is expected to improve physical function and quality of life during and after oncologic treatment
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Head and neck cancer (tumors of the oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx)
- Receiving radiohterapy (+/- chemotherapy) with curative intent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Surgery due to head and neck cancer
- Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
- Tracheostomized patients
- Inability to perform exercise intervention
- Inability to perform part of 6-minute walking test
- Inability to independently fill out questionnaires in Swedish
- Previous neurologic or neuromuscular disease