Abstract: Objective To compare the effect of Shaker exercise and Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) exercise on dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods From August, 2015 to February, 2017, 90 patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy for NPC were randomly divided into control group, Shaker group and CTAR group equally. The control group received routine swallowing training, while the Shaker group accepted Shaker exercise and CTAR group accepted CTAR exercise in addition. They were assessed with Penetration-Aspiration Scale under video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) before, and two weeks, four weeks and six weeks after exercise.Results There was no significant difference in VFSS score among the three groups before intervention (F=0.551, P>0.05). The score decreased after intervention in Shaker group and CTAR group (F>5.317, P<0.001), but varied less in the control group (F=1.774, P>0.05). However, it was less in Shaker group and CTAR group than in the control group (P<0.001), and it was not significantly different between Shaker group and CTAR group after 4 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention (P>0.05). The total effective rate was 86.67% in CTAR group and 76.67% in Shaker group, that was significantly higher than 43.33% in the control group (χ²>2.079, P<0.05), and it was not significantly different between Shaker group and CTAR group (P>0.05).Conclusion CTAR exercise is effective on dysphagia after radiotherapy for NPC, which is similar to those of Shaker exercise, and more acceptable and easier to persist.

Key words: nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy, dysphagia, Shaker exercise, Chin Tuck Against Resistance exercise