The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Swallowing Function in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

Yoon, Yong Soon; Lim, Jin Taek; Yun, Suk Bong; Ohm, Bo Young; Kang, Ji Young; Lim, Ho Yong; Chung, Bok Hee; Kim, Jeoung Hwa

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of functional electrical stimulation on swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. METHOD: The subjects were 22 stroke patients with dysphagia. Functional electrical stimulation was applied to skin over anterior neck for thirty minutes and then, the patients were trained to swallow at the time of maximal stimulation. Swallowing function was evaluated by functional dysphagia scale using videofluoroscopic swallowing study with semisolid material before and 2 weeks after electrical stimulation.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in oral phase scores, the scores of triggering of pharyngeal swallow, residue in piriform sinuses, and coating of pharyngeal wall after swallow of pharyngeal phase. However, the scores of laryngeal elevation and epiglottic closure, residue in valleculae and pharyngeal transit time were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The score of pharyngeal phase was negatively correlated with the pulse intensity. The score of oral phase was negatively correlated with the cognitive function.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed that the functional electrical stimulation can be used as an additional treatment method for stroke patients with dysphagia.