Effect of Tongue-Pressure Resistance Training in Poststroke Dysphagia Patients With Oral Motor Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the effect of tongue-pressure resistance training in poststroke dysphagia patients with oral motor dysfunction and to examine the therapeutic value of tongue-pressure resistance training in the oral and pharyngeal phases.

Design: Patients were divided into an experimental and a control group. Both groups received 30 mins of traditional swallowing rehabilitation treatment every day for 4 wks. In addition, the experimental group received tongue-pressure resistance training for an extra 20 mins/d. Maximum tongue pressure and fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing were assessed before and after treatments.

Results: Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvement in Functional Communication Measure for swallowing, Oral Motor Function Scale, maximum tongue pressure, Murray Secretion Scale, Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and food residue in pyriform sinuses ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in food residue in epiglottic vallecula between both groups ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that tongue-pressure resistance training is an effective approach to improve the overall swallowing function in patients with oral motor dysfunction. The improvement of oral motor function could facilitate the recovery of pharyngeal motor function. Tongue-pressure resistance training seems to have more clearance of residue in piriform sinus than epiglottic vallecula.