Efficacy of Game-Based EMG-Biofeedback Therapy in Post-Stroke Dysphagia

Efficacy of Game-Based EMG-Biofeedback Therapy in Post-Stroke Dysphagia

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of game-based biofeedback application via surface electromyography in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. The same treatment interventions will be applied with and without biofeedback, and thus the contribution of adding biofeedback to the treatment will be determined.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. History of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke longer than 3 months
2. Being over the age of eighteen
3. Level ≤ 6 on the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS)
4. Post-stroke onset of swallowing complaints
5. Ability to communicate with the patient and carry out the given commands
6. Mini mental test evaluation ≥ 24 points
7. Absence of concomitant serious systemic disease (unregulated hypertension, decompensated heart failure, malignancy, infection, pacemaker, epilepsy, etc.)
8. Detection of pathology in the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing in videofluoroscopic evaluation
9. Not taking any swallowing-related treatment in the last 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of neoplastic disease and/or radiotherapy to the head and neck region
2. Having additional musculoskeletal disease or non-stroke neurologic disease that may cause swallowing disorders
3. Unable to communicate or carry out commands
4. Inability to maintain head-holding balance
5. Patients with severe pathology in bolus formation or delivery of the bolus to the pharynx during the oral swallowing phase