Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Manual therapy for improving oral and swallowing function in head and neck cancer survivors

Official title: Effects of Manual Therapy on Oral Opening, Swallow Function, and Upper Quarter Mobility in Chilean Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Study Protocol for a Controlled, Randomized Study (MATEO Study, MAnual ThErapy for Oral Opening).

Run by Universidad de La Frontera · NCT06148077 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a hands-on therapy program can help survivors of head and neck cancer improve their ability to open their mouths, swallow, and move their upper bodies better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment70 (estimated)
SponsorUniversidad de La Frontera
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Temuco, Cautin and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 25, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2025
Study endsOctober 1, 2025
Registry record updatedMay 30, 2025
Trial IDNCT06148077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include Spanish-speaking adults over 18 years old who have undergone oncological treatment for head and neck cancer and have a diagnosis of trismus or related dysfunction.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active cancer, severe cervical spine issues, or those who have had a stroke may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a manual therapy program on oral opening, swallowing function, and upper quarter mobility in survivors of head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a manual therapy group or a control group receiving motor control exercises. The intervention consists of three sessions per week over six weeks, totaling 18 appointments, with assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and six weeks after treatment completion. The study focuses on improving quality of life, pain management, and functionality in this patient population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and functional abilities of head and neck cancer survivors suffering from trismus and related dysfunctions.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited data on manual therapy specifically for this population, similar approaches in physical rehabilitation have shown promise in improving outcomes for cancer survivors.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* individuals with HNC
* individuals over 18 years of age
* individuals who have undergone oncological surgery of the head and neck and/or radiotherapy
* having finished oncological medical treatment between 3 and 36 months before inclusion
* having a medical diagnosis of trismus and/or TMD and/or cervical or shoulder dysfunction
* Spanish native speakers

Exclusion Criteria:

* sequelae of previous stroke
* structural instability and/or osteoporosis of the cervical spine, spondylosis, cervical herniated discs
* active osteoradionecrosis or open wounds (fistulas, soft tissue necrosis) in the anatomical treatment area
* tracheostomized individuals
* metastasis or active cancer
* refuse to participate.

Where it's running

  • Barbara Burgos Mansilla
    Temuco, Cautin, Chile
    Recruiting
  • Universidad de La Frontera
    Temuco, Cautin, Chile
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.