Effects of jaw opening exercise on aspiration in stroke patients with dysphagia: a pilot study

J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 Oct;29(10):1817-1818. doi: 10.1589/jpts.29.1817. Epub 2017 Oct 21.

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of jaw opening exercise (JOE) on aspiration in patients with dysphagia after stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Three subjects were recruited. Isometric and isotonic JOE were performed using a rubber ball, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Aspiration was evaluated using the penetration-a spiration scale (PAS) based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] All subjects showed a score reduction of at least 1 point and a maximum reduction of 2 points in the PAS in the liquid type. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that JOE can be used to reduce aspiration in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Keywords: Aspiration; Dysphagia; Stroke.