Effectiveness of Swallow Maneuvers and Thermal Stimulation in Management of Dysphagic Patients using National Dysphagia Diet Levels

Background: Trouble in swallowing food is defined as dysphagia. There are many factors that predispose the person to swallowing issues such as neurological, muscular, anatomical, and psychological. This study is being conducted to see the effectiveness of the two therapeutic techniques: thermal stimulation and swallow maneuver. Through the finding of best therapeutic technique, therapist will be able to give better intervention to patients. Objectives: To explore the better treatment options among thermal stimulation and swallow maneuvers for therapy of the dysphagic patient. Material and Methods: A Longitudinal experimental study design is used to find out the better treatment option among thermal stimulation and swallow maneuvers for therapy of the dysphagic patient. For this purpose convenient sample technique is used. Two groups A and B are made having 4 patients in each group. Group A received thermal stimulation and B group had swallowing maneuvers as a treatment option. Outcomes are measured through the national dysphagia diet levels. Thermal stimulation is given for 4-5 sec in one session/day and maneuvers are performed 5-10 times in a session twice a day and patient is re-evaluated after 10 consecutive sessions. Data is collected from different tertiary care units (Combined Military Hospital and Fatima Memorial Hospital) and evaluated on SPSS 16. Results: Group A received thermal stimulation and B group had swallowing maneuvers as a treatment option. Among the two treatment options more positive results are seen through thermal stimulation. As four out of four patients showed progress through thermal stimulation from level 1 to level 3 on national dysphagia levels.