ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of a Shaker exercise on the swallowing function of dysphagia patients after suffering a stroke. Methods : Nineteen patients experiencing dysphagia after suffering a stroke performed a Shaker exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. We conducted an initial Videofluroscopy, and 6 weeks later, conducted a second Videofluroscopy for an evaluation of the patients’swallowing function. The data were analyzed using the New Videofluroscopic Swallowing Study scale (new VFSS scale) and American Speech- Language-Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System Swallowiing scale (ASHA NOMS scale) to determine the patients’swallowing function and dietary stage. Results : After the Shaker exercise was conducted, the patients dietary status in the pharyngeal stage significantly improved (p<.001). An itemized change in their swallowing function showed a statistically significant difference in terms of the residue in the valleculae, a reduced laryngeal elevation and epiglottic closure, residue in the pyriform sinuses, pharyngeal transit time, and aspiration (p<.01). All patients improved on the ASHA NOMS scale from 1 to 2 steps. Conclusion : A Shaker exercise improved the swallowing function of patients experiencing dysphagia after suffering a stroke. Therefore, a Shaker exercise can be easily applied and considered a useful treatment method in occupational therapy for patients with dysphagia.