The Effects of Lingual Exercise in Stroke Patients With Dysphagia

Robbins JA, Kays SA, Gangnon RE, Hind JA, Hewitt AL, Gentry LR, Taylor AJ. The effects of lingual exercise in stroke patients with dysphagia.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of lingual exercise on swallowing recovery poststroke.DesignProspective cohort intervention study, with 4- and 8-week follow-ups.SettingDysphagia clinic, tertiary care center.ParticipantsTen stroke patients (n=6, acute: ≤3mo poststroke; n=4, chronic: >3mo poststroke), age 51 to 90 years (mean, 69.7y).InterventionSubjects performed an 8-week isometric lingual exercise program by compressing an air-filled bulb between the tongue and the hard palate.Main Outcome MeasuresIsometric and swallowing lingual pressures, bolus flow parameters, diet, and a dysphagia-specific quality of life questionnaire were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Three of the 10 subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging at each time interval to measure lingual volume.ResultsAll subjects significantly increased isometric and swallowing pressures. Airway invasion was reduced for liquids. Two subjects increased lingual volume.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that lingual exercise enables acute and chronic dysphagic stroke patients to increase lingual strength with associated improvements in swallowing pressures, airway protection, and lingual volume.