Effect of Oral Screen Training After Stroke-A Randomised Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Oral screen training is recognized for enhancing orofacial and oropharyngeal motor functions.
• Evidence for its transfer effect on swallowing capacity post-stroke rehabilitation remains unclear.
• This study investigated the impact of a 12-week oral screen program on swallowing post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of oral screen training in improving swallowing capacity in stroke survivors.
• To assess the effects of oral screen training on orofacial motor functions, specifically lip force.
• To determine if oral screen training leads to a transfer effect on swallowing post-stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 24 stroke survivors with residual dysphagia.
• Intervention group (n=12) received 12 weeks of oral screen training.
• Primary outcome: swallowing capacity; Secondary outcomes: lip force, masticatory performance, and quality of life measures.

Main Results:

• The oral screen training group demonstrated a significant increase in lip force compared to the control group (10.2 N vs. 3.1 N, p=0.02).
• No significant improvements were observed in swallowing capacity (0.7 mL/min vs. 0.8 mL/min, p=0.43) or other secondary outcomes.
• Lip force served as a sensitive indicator of training effects.

Conclusions:

• Oral screen training post-stroke rehabilitation can effectively improve lip force.
• The study found no evidence of a transfer effect on swallowing capacity.
• Further investigation is warranted to optimize oral screen training protocols for dysphagia management.