Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Neck Flexion Exercise and the Shaker Exercise on the Activities of the Suprahyoid Muscles in Chronic Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) neck flexion exercise and the Shaker exercises on the activity of the suprahyoid muscles in chronic stroke patients with dysphagia and to show what exercise methods are effective for swallowing rehabilitation.METHODS: This study was conducted at F hospital in Daegu from August 2014 to February 2017 with 60 participants who understood the purpose of the study and desired to participate. The 60 participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (PNF neck flexion exercise) (n=30) and a control group (Shaker exercise) (n=30). PNF neck flexion exercise was performed in the experimental group and the Shaker exercise was performed in the control group for 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 6 weeks.The activity of the suprahyoid muscles was measured before and after treatment.RESULTS: Both the experimental group and the control group showed a statistically significant change in the activity of the suprahyoid muscles before and after the treatment. The changes were also statistically significant when compared by group.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PNF neck flexion exercise should be used in addition to Shaker exercise when rehabilitating a patient with a swallowing disability. PU - The Korean Society of Physical Medicine