Community-Based Swallowing Training for Elderly Individuals: Impact and Benefits

A Preliminary Self-control Study to Explore the Effect of Community-Based Swallowing Training for Elderly Individuals

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore the impact of systematic simple swallowing training on swallowing function and quality of life in community-dwelling elderly individuals (≥60 year old) with swallowing disorders. It primarily aims to address two key aspects: 1) the prevalence of dysphagia among community-dwelling elderly individuals, and 2) the effects of systematic simple swallowing training on swallowing function and quality of life in community-dwelling elderly individuals with swallowing disorders. All participants are required to undergo a continuous three-week (21 days) systematic simple swallowing training, with weekends off and training conducted only on weekdays. The training will be conducted two sessions per day, lasting 15-30 minutes each.

The investigators have designed a simple and user-friendly swallowing rehabilitation training method called "systematic simple swallowing training" based on commonly used swallowing training techniques in the department of rehabilitation medicine and the prevalent pathological causes of swallowing disorders in the elderly. It has shown promising preliminary efficacy. However, before we can promote its widespread adoption, a series of studies must be conducted to establish its effectiveness. The goal of this clinical trial is to explore the impact of systematic simple swallowing training on swallowing function and quality of life in community-dwelling elderly individuals (≥60 year old) with swallowing disorders. It primarily aims to address two key aspects: 1) the prevalence of dysphagia among community-dwelling elderly individuals, and 2) the effects of systematic simple swallowing training on swallowing function and quality of life in community-dwelling elderly individuals with swallowing disorders. All participants are required to undergo a continuous three-week (21 days) systematic simple swallowing training, with weekends off and training conducted only on weekdays. The training will be conducted two sessions per day, lasting 15-30 minutes each.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age over 60 years old.
• No hospitalization within the past six months.
• With clear consciousness and able to cooperate with questionnaires and training.
• The elderly people who voluntarily participate and agree to adhere until the end of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complicated with severe liver and kidney failure, tumors, or hematological disorders.
• Physical disability.
• Difficulty in mobility.