Cough Skill Training to Help Head and Neck Cancer Patients Recover Voluntary Cough

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a feasibility study in people who had head and neck cancer and completed treatment. Participants will have an initial in-person assessment of voluntary cough, followed by five weekly telehealth training sessions with home practice, and a final in-person evaluation. Each session includes 25 repetitions of voluntary coughs while using the device or during practice. Primary goals are to see if the training is feasible and whether it can produce immediate improvements in cough peak expiratory flow. The study uses a handheld cough device to deliver targeted cough practice over five weeks.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Prior diagnosis of head and neck cancer at least 6 months post-diagnosis
* Completed treatment for head and neck cancer, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
* Medically stable and able to follow commands and produce a voluntary cough
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent assessed by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of \<20
* Unable to follow study instructions
* Unable to produce a voluntary cough
* History of neurologic disease
* Recent laryngeal surgery or vocal fold injury
* Active respiratory infection or febrile illness within the past 14 days
* Chronic, severe, or unstable respiratory disease
* Asthma or bronchitis
* Smoking within the past five years
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure within the past 6 months
* Significant uncontrolled arrhythmia

Where it's running

• Airway Protection Research Lab at Boston University
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: James Borders, PhD CCC-SLP — Boston University Charles River Campus
• Study coordinator: James Borders, PhD CCC-SLP
• Email: Aprlab@bu.edu
• Phone: 617-353-3379

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.