Purpose We aim to evaluate the effects of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) on the sequelae suffered by the survivors of
HNC (sHNC).
Methods We enrolled 46 sHNC in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), of whom 20 received a MIT protocol and 23 were
placed on a waitlist while receiving the recommended treatment for 6 weeks. The MIT protocol included a total of 18 sessions,
3 days a week on alternate days for 6 weeks. Maximal mouth opening, the presence of temporomandibular dysfunction,
cervical endurance, active range of motion (AROM), shoulder AROM, handgrip strength, and perceived physical fitness
were assessed.
Results Maximal mouth opening, temporomandibular dysfunction, cervical endurance, and AROM, affected shoulder abduction
and unaffected shoulder flexion and external rotation significantly improved (p < .05) after an MIT protocol, but only
cervical AROM and affected shoulder abduction changes were clinically meaningful. No statistically significant changes
were observed in the other shoulder AROM, handgrip strength, or physical fitness perception (p > .05).
Conclusion A 6-week MIT protocol improves mouth opening, TMD, cervical function (endurance and AROM), affected
shoulder abduction and unaffected shoulder flexion, and external rotation AROM in the sHNC. However, no changes were
observed in most of the shoulder AROM, muscular strength, or perceived physical fitness. Future studies should perform
longer follow-up designs, increase the sample size, and include multimodal treatments to address these sequelae in the sHNC.Fondos Estructurales de la Union Europea (FEDER)University of Granada, Excellence Actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)Junta de Andalucia PI-0171-2020 CSy