Mouth opening and cheek muscle stiffness after oral cancer surgery
Official title: Association Between Maximum Mouth Opening and Masseter Muscle Elasticity in Oral Cancer Patients: A Study Using Sonographic Elastography
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06941727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive ultrasound test checks how stiff the masseter muscle is and whether that stiffness relates to how wide patients can open their mouths after oral cancer surgery, to see if exercise helps improve limited opening.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06941727 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–65 with newly diagnosed oral cancer who are planned for cancer-directed treatments and can communicate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose trismus does not improve or who cannot tolerate the exercise program may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses strain elastography ultrasound to measure the elasticity of the masseter muscle in patients who have undergone oral cancer treatment. It examines the relationship between muscle hardness (masseter elasticity index) and maximum mouth opening. The study also tests a structured exercise program to see if changes in muscle stiffness can predict improvements in trismus. Participants will be scanned to measure MEI and MIO before and after the intervention, with analysis exploring potential associations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide an objective way to predict and monitor improvements in trismus after treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in this area shows that muscle stiffness and jaw mobility can be related, but the use of MEI with an exercise program as a predictive tool is still being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Newly diagnosed oral cancer patients who are scheduled to receive cancer-related treatments (e.g., oral cancer surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy). 2. Age between 20 and 65 years. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Could not communicate. 2. Had any disorder that could influence movement performance.
Where it's running
-
National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD — National Taiwan University, College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD
- Email: yuehhsiachen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-2-33668133
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.