Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2026, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (4): 445-452.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.04.008

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Effect of virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral positioning therapy on dysphagia after oral cancer surgery

XU Mingxia, ZHU Hui, CHEN Piaopiao, MENG Kexin(), CHEN Jie, CHEN Jing, SUN Huifang, SUN Yanyan   

  1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
  • Received:2025-08-28 Revised:2026-03-04 Published:2026-04-25 Online:2026-05-06
  • Contact: MENG Kexin E-mail:mengkexin007@gmail.com
  • Supported by:
    Zhejiang Provincial Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project(2025KY627);Zhejiang Provincial Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project(2023KY024);Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Plan Project(2024ZL245)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the application of virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral localization therapy in dysphagia after oral cancer surgery.

Methods From May, 2023 to July, 2024, 86 patients with dysphagia after oral cancer surgery in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 43) and experimental group (n = 43). The control group received conventional swallowing function training, while the experimental group added virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral positioning therapy, for four weeks. The Standardized Swallowing Function Assessment Scale (SSA), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and M.D.Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) were used for evaluation before intervention, and two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks after intervention.

Results For scores of SSA, the main effects of group (F = 150.190, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.641) and time (F = 230.870, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.733), as well as the interaction effect (F = 16.910, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.168) were all significant. For scores of FOIS, the main effects of group (F = 59.601, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.415) and time (F = 89.464, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.516), as well as the interaction effect (F = 7.990, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.087) were all significant. For scores of MDADI, the main effects of group (F = 33.133, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.283) and time (F = 49.650, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.371), as well as the interaction effect (F = 3.224, P = 0.023, η2p = 0.037) were all significant.

Conclusion Virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral localization therapy could improve the swallowing function, oral feeding ability and overall quality of life of patients with dysphagia after oral cancer surgery.

Key words: oral cancer, dysphagia, virtual reality, biofeedback, oral positioning therapy

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