A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Tongue-Pressure Resistance Training Protocols for Post-Stroke Dysphagia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Tongue weakness is a common impairment following stroke, affecting swallowing function.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve tongue strength and swallowing outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two tongue resistance training protocols for individuals with tongue weakness.
• To evaluate the impact of training on tongue strength, oral bolus control, and swallowing safety.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized trial involving 14 participants with tongue weakness.
• Two protocols: tongue-pressure profile training (focusing on timing) and tongue-pressure strength and accuracy training.
• Videofluoroscopy was used to assess outcomes by blinded raters.

Main Results:

• Both protocols led to significant improvements in tongue strength and reduced vallecular residue with thin liquids.
• No significant differences were found in stage transition duration (oral bolus control).
• Improvements in penetration-aspiration scale scores were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Tongue resistance training can effectively improve tongue strength in individuals with post-stroke tongue weakness.
• Enhanced tongue strength does not automatically translate to improved penetration-aspiration.
• Tongue-pressure resistance training shows promise for reducing thin liquid vallecular residue.