ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether traditional swallowing intervention improves the initiation or duration of laryngeal closure in post-stroke survivors using the initial and follow-up videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Methods: Twelve post-stroke survivors completed traditional swallowing intervention such as postural changes and swallowing exercises. The initial VFSS was performed at the acute or subacute stage and the follow-up VFSS occurred at 3 to 5 weeks after the initial VFSS. Temporal measurements of laryngeal closure were analyzed for 2 mL and 5 mL thin liquids. Statistical comparisons were made by paired t-test. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The initiation of laryngeal closure of post-stroke survivors was significantly shorter after the traditional swallowing intervention; however, the duration of laryngeal closure did not differ after the intervention. In addition, the post-stroke survivors showed reduced occurrences of penetration or aspiration after the intervention. Conclusions: Shorter initiation of laryngeal closure after the intervention indicates that the traditional swallowing intervention at the acute or subacute stage of stroke may help post-stroke survivors protect the airway effectively.