The effect of swallowing exercises in combination with Benson relaxation on swallowing ability in stroke patients

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of swallowing exercise in combination with Benson relaxation on swallowing ability in stroke patients. Design: Quasi-Experimental Study. Methods: Analytic quantitative with quasi-experimental (pre-test and post-test design) was used to measure the effect of swallowing exercise in combination with Benson relaxation on swallowing ability among stroke patients. The sampling method was carried out by consecutive sampling technique. Based on the Lemeshow sample formula, a total of 20 respondents who met the inclusion criteria were involved in this study. Swallowing ability was measured by the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). The data collected were processed with SPSS version 24.0, and analyzed by the statistical formula paired t-test. The study was conducted at the general hospital of Dr. Soekardjo Tasikmalaya between August 3rd and December 10th 2021. Results: There was a significant difference in swallowing ability before and after the intervention, from the mean ± SD score 8.60 ± 4.21 to 15.70 ± 4.00. The significance level is confirmed with a p-value = 0.0005. Conclusions: This study shows that the combination of swallowing exercise and Benson relaxation has a strong effect on improving the swallowing ability of stroke patients. This study indicates that nurses need to conduct comprehensive nursing interventions by combining swallowing exercise and Benson relaxation among stroke patients, both in the hospital and at the patient‘s home by involving the family.