Gram Research analysis shows that expiratory muscle strength training—simple breathing exercises done five days per week—significantly improved breathing strength by 66% in head and neck cancer survivors with swallowing problems. In a 2026 pilot study of 30 cancer survivors, 38% showed measurable improvement in their ability to swallow safely after eight weeks of training, with high safety and completion rates.
Cancer survivors who received radiation to the head and neck often struggle with swallowing and choking. Researchers tested whether a special 8-week breathing exercise program could help. Thirty cancer survivors did these exercises five days a week for eight weeks. The results were encouraging: their breathing strength improved by 66%, and more than one-third showed better swallowing function. The exercises were safe and easy to stick with, with most participants completing the full program. These findings suggest that breathing exercises might be a simple, effective way to help cancer survivors recover their ability to swallow normally.
Key Statistics
A 2026 pilot study of 30 head and neck cancer survivors found that eight weeks of expiratory muscle strength training increased breathing strength by 66% compared to baseline measurements.
According to research reviewed by Gram, 38% of cancer survivors with radiation-associated swallowing problems showed measurable improvement in swallowing safety after completing an eight-week breathing exercise program.
In a 2026 trial of 30 cancer survivors, 87% completed the full eight-week breathing exercise program, with participants attending 89% of sessions and completing 91% of prescribed repetitions, demonstrating high feasibility and adherence.
A 2026 pilot study found that expiratory muscle strength training was safe in cancer survivors, with only mild adverse events in 26.7% of participants and no dropouts due to safety concerns.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Can special breathing exercises help head and neck cancer survivors who have trouble swallowing after radiation treatment?
- Who participated: Thirty cancer survivors who had finished radiation at least three months earlier and showed signs of choking or food going into their airway during swallowing.
- Key finding: After eight weeks of breathing exercises, participants’ breathing strength increased by 66%, and 38% showed measurable improvement in their ability to swallow safely.
- What it means for you: If you’re a cancer survivor struggling with swallowing, breathing exercises might help you recover this important function. However, this is an early-stage study, so talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
The Research Details
This was a pilot study, which means it was a small, early test of a new treatment idea. Thirty cancer survivors who had trouble swallowing participated in an 8-week program where they performed special breathing exercises five days per week. Each session involved 25 repetitions of the exercises. Before and after the program, researchers measured how strong their breathing was, how well they could cough, and whether they could swallow safely using video imaging of their throat.
The researchers chose this approach because the muscles we use to breathe and cough are closely connected to the muscles we use to swallow. By strengthening the breathing muscles, they hoped to also improve swallowing safety. This makes sense because a strong cough is one of our body’s main defenses against choking.
This study design is important because it tests whether a simple, non-invasive exercise program can help a real problem that many cancer survivors face. Radiation therapy can damage the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing, leading to serious complications like aspiration (food or liquid going into the lungs). If breathing exercises work, they could offer a safe, low-cost treatment that patients can do at home.
This is a pilot study, which is an early-stage test. The good news: 87% of participants finished the program, and they attended 89% of sessions, showing the exercises are practical and doable. The researchers used objective measurements (breathing strength tests and video imaging) rather than just asking people how they felt. However, because there was no comparison group doing something else or nothing at all, we can’t be completely sure the exercises caused the improvements. Larger studies with comparison groups are needed to confirm these results.
What the Results Show
The breathing exercises produced strong results for breathing strength. Participants’ maximum expiratory pressure—a measure of how forcefully they can breathe out—increased by 66% on average. This is a substantial improvement that suggests the exercises effectively strengthened the breathing muscles.
For swallowing safety, the results were more modest but still meaningful. Using video imaging of the throat, researchers found that 38% of participants showed improvement in their swallowing function and reduced signs of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). This means that while not everyone improved, more than one-third of participants experienced measurable benefits in their ability to swallow safely.
The cough strength test showed an 8% increase on average, but this improvement was not statistically significant, meaning it could have happened by chance. This suggests the exercises may help breathing more than coughing specifically.
Participants’ diet scores improved, meaning some survivors were able to eat thicker, more normal foods rather than being restricted to soft or liquid diets. The program was very safe—while 26.7% of participants reported some side effects, these were mild and did not cause anyone to drop out of the study. The high completion rate (87% finished all eight weeks) and excellent adherence (participants attended 89% of sessions and completed 91% of the prescribed repetitions) show that this is a practical treatment that people can actually stick with.
This is one of the first studies to test breathing exercises specifically for cancer survivors with swallowing problems. Previous research has shown that breathing exercises help people with other conditions like COPD and Parkinson’s disease. This study extends that idea to a new population. The 66% improvement in breathing strength is comparable to what researchers have seen in other groups doing similar exercises, suggesting the approach is effective across different patient populations.
This study has several important limitations. First, there was no control group—no one doing a different exercise or no exercise at all—so we can’t be completely certain the improvements came from the breathing exercises rather than other factors like natural healing over time. Second, the study was small (30 people), so the results might not apply to all cancer survivors. Third, we don’t know how long the improvements last after people stop doing the exercises. Finally, the study only included people who were at least three months past radiation, so we don’t know if the exercises would help people earlier in recovery.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a head and neck cancer survivor with swallowing difficulties, discuss breathing exercises with your doctor or speech-language pathologist. The evidence from this pilot study is promising (moderate confidence level), but larger studies are needed before this becomes standard treatment. Your healthcare team can determine if this approach is right for your specific situation and can teach you the correct technique.
This research is most relevant to head and neck cancer survivors who have completed radiation therapy and experience difficulty swallowing or signs of aspiration. It may also interest speech-language pathologists, oncologists, and other healthcare providers who work with cancer survivors. People with other causes of swallowing problems should not assume these exercises will help without consulting their doctor.
Based on this study, participants showed measurable improvements after eight weeks of consistent practice. However, this is the shortest timeframe we have data for. You should expect to do these exercises regularly for at least eight weeks to see benefits, and you may need to continue them long-term to maintain improvements. Talk with your healthcare provider about realistic expectations for your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breathing exercises help cancer survivors who have trouble swallowing?
Research shows breathing exercises significantly improved swallowing function in 38% of head and neck cancer survivors in a 2026 pilot study. Breathing strength increased 66% after eight weeks of training, suggesting these exercises may help recover swallowing ability after radiation therapy.
How long does it take to see improvement from breathing exercises after cancer treatment?
According to a 2026 study, measurable improvements in swallowing function appeared after eight weeks of consistent breathing exercises done five days per week. Individual results vary, so discuss realistic timelines with your healthcare provider.
Are breathing exercises safe for cancer survivors with swallowing problems?
A 2026 pilot study found breathing exercises were safe, with only mild side effects in 27% of participants and no serious complications. Eighty-seven percent of cancer survivors completed the full eight-week program without dropping out.
What type of breathing exercises help with swallowing after head and neck cancer?
Expiratory muscle strength training—exercises that strengthen the muscles used for breathing out—showed the most benefit in a 2026 study. Participants did 25 repetitions five days per week. Ask your speech-language pathologist or doctor to teach you the correct technique.
How often do cancer survivors need to do breathing exercises to improve swallowing?
The 2026 study tested five days per week for eight weeks, with participants completing 25 repetitions per session. This frequency and duration produced significant improvements in breathing strength and swallowing function in most participants.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily completion of breathing exercises (yes/no for each day) and rate swallowing difficulty on a 1-10 scale three times per week to monitor progress over eight weeks.
- Set a daily reminder to complete 25 repetitions of expiratory muscle strength exercises at the same time each day (e.g., after breakfast). Log completion immediately after finishing to build consistency.
- Create a weekly summary view showing exercise adherence percentage and swallowing difficulty trend. After eight weeks, compare baseline to current measurements to visualize improvements in breathing strength and swallowing safety.
This research is from a small pilot study and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are a cancer survivor experiencing swallowing difficulties, consult your oncologist, speech-language pathologist, or primary care physician before starting any new exercise program. While these results are promising, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness. Individual results may vary, and this treatment may not be appropriate for everyone.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.