Study of Kinesiology Taping Plus Swallowing Exercises to Improve Muscle Thickness and Swallowing in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how kinesiology taping combined with resistance exercises affects the thickness of suprahyoid muscles and swallowing function in patients who have difficulty swallowing after a stroke. This single-blind randomized controlled trial includes 36 participants with stroke-related dysphagia. The study aims to find out if kinesiology taping can improve muscle function and safe swallowing, which are often impaired due to muscle weakness after stroke. The trial uses ultrasound and various swallowing assessments to measure outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one receives real kinesiology taping applied in three directions on the suprahyoid muscle area, and the other receives placebo taping without therapeutic tension. Both groups perform standardized swallowing exercises daily, consisting of 50 swallows divided into five sets, for six weeks. The tape is replaced every three days during the treatment period. During the study, researchers will measure muscle thickness using ultrasound at the start and after six weeks. Swallowing ability will be assessed with tests including the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test, Eating Assessment Tool EAT-10, Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire, Dysphagia Handicap Index, Functional Oral Intake Scale, and Functional Ambulation Measure. These evaluations will help determine if kinesiology taping enhances swallowing rehabilitation in stroke patients. The entire participation lasts six weeks with monitoring throughout.

Effect of Kinesiology Taping and Swallowing Exercises on Suprahyoid Muscle Thickness and Swallowing Function in Stroke Patients With Dysphagia