Effects of bedside self-exercise on oropharyngeal swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia: a pilot study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-exercise on oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. [Subjects and Methods] Nine patients with dysphagia after stroke were recruited. Self-exercise including effortful swallowing, tongue strengthening, and shaker exercise was performed 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Swallowing function was evaluated using the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] There were significant differences in both the oral and pharyngeal phases of the VDS before and after the intervention. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that bedside self-exercise is a positive method to improve oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with dysphagia after stroke.