Randomized Controlled Trial for Comparative Effectiveness of the Rocabado Approach and Shaker Exercise on Functionality and Quality of Life in Oral Cancer Patients

Oral cancer is a major health problem in India largely due to the widespread use of tobacco and related products. Treatment of oral cancer commonly involves surgery with or without radiotherapy and chemotherapy which often leads to postoperative complications such as pain trismus restricted mouth opening dysphagia speech difficulties and postural dysfunction. These impairments significantly affect oral function daily activities and overall quality of life of patients.

Trismus is one of the most common and disabling complications following oral cancer treatment and occurs due to muscle fibrosis joint stiffness nerve involvement and scarring of soft tissues. Reduced jaw mobility interferes with eating speaking oral hygiene and social interaction thereby increasing physical and psychological distress. Early and structured physiotherapy intervention is essential to prevent long term functional limitations and to improve recovery.

Therefore this randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the effects of the Rocabado approach and Shaker exercise on pain range of motion and quality of life in patients with oral cancer to support evidence based rehabilitation strategies.

The outcome measures of the study include assessment of cervical spine and temporomandibular joint range of motion including mouth opening mandibular protrusion lateral mandibular movement overbite cervical flexion extension lateral flexion and rotation. Oral dysfunction will be evaluated using the Postoperative Oral Dysfunction Scale ten which is a reliable tool to assess functional limitations in patients with oral cancer following treatment. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale which is widely used to assess subjective pain severity. Quality of life related to oral health will be assessed using the Oral Health Quality of Life scale which evaluates physical psychological and social well being affected by oral health conditions.

All participants will be informed about the study and written informed consent will be obtained. Ethical approval will be secured prior to commencement. Patients will be selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and baseline assessment will be carried out using the selected outcome measures. Following this participants will receive the assigned intervention either Rocabado exercises or Shaker exercise. Post intervention assessment will be performed and results will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the interventions.

The Rocabado exercise program is designed to address temporomandibular joint dysfunction through postural correction and coordinated head neck jaw movements and is commonly used in posture related TMJ conditions. The Shaker exercise is a neck strengthening exercise that enhances suprahyoid muscle activity and is effective in improving swallowing jaw mobility and reducing trismus in patients with oral cancer after surgery or radiotherapy