ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on the neck muscles in the swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia. Methods : Eighteen stroke patients who are able to understand verbal commands and express themselves were recruited, based on the video-fluoroscopic findings of their swallowing difficulties. After two weeks of an observational period for spontaneous recovery, electrical stimulation during a one hour session each day, five days a week for four weeks was applied to the patients' neck muscles (digastic M., thyrohyoid M.). Their swallowing functions were evaluated using a functional dysphagia scale and pharyngeal transit time with a video-fluoroscopic swallowing study. The author compared the above initial data with the every- two-week follow-up data using a paired t test and repeated ANOVA measure, of which a significant level is below p=.05. Results : There was no natural recovery during the control stage (p>.05). After terminating treatment, the participants showed significant improvement in the functional dysphagia scale (p=.000) and had significantly reduced residue in their valleculae and piriform sinuses (p<.05). However, pharyngeal transit time did not show any difference between pre- and post-treatments (p>.05). Conclusion : These results suggest that electrical stimulation has positive effects on swallowing disorders caused by brain injuries and can be clinically used as a safe treatment method for dysphagia. In future studies, a long-term treatment of more than four weeks with a follow up should be conducted.