Efficacy of swallowing muscle training for the treatment of patients with post-stroke dysphagia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Strokes may cause some swallowing difficulty or associated dysphagia in 25-80% of patients, increasing morbidity and mortality associated with nutritional and respiratory disorders. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of swallowing muscle training in patients with dysphagia in post-stroke patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and MEDLINE.

RESULTS

Of the 13 investigations analyzed, four evaluated the effects of Shaker exercise, tongue training and chin flexion against resistance; two investigations applied mandibular opening exercises against resistance; and only one, the effect of training with forced swallows was evaluated. Meta-analysis confirmed their significant effect on reducing the risk of penetration and aspiration.

CONCLUSION

Swallowing muscle training has beneficial effects on swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia and reduced the risk of penetration and aspiration.