The Effects of Chin Tuck Against Resistance Exercise on Acute Stroke Patients With Dysphagia

The Effects of Chin Tuck Against Resistance Exercise on Swallowing Function, Depression, and Quality of Life in Acute Stroke Patients With Dysphagia

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of chin tuck against resistance exercise on swallowing function, depression, and quality of life in acute stroke patients with dysphagia.

The study is an experimental research design, with participants randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group will undergo chin tuck against resistance exercises, while the control group will receive traditional swallowing rehabilitation training. The subjects of this study are patients from the neurology and rehabilitation wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan. The research tools include a personal basic information questionnaire, the standardized swallowing assessment, the Functional Oral Intake Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Taiwan version of the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data collection for both groups will be conducted using a pre-test and post-test method.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, including those with initial diagnoses or recurrent strokes.
2. Patients who did not pass the swallowing screening based on the standard swallowing scale.
3. Adults aged 18 years and older.
4. Vital signs are stable: systolic blood pressure (hemorrhagic < 160 mmHg, ischemic < 220 mmHg), heart rate 40-130 beats per minute, and oxygen saturation > 92%.
5. The patient's consciousness is clear, able to express themselves, can communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, and can follow commands to perform actions.
6. The patient can be in a seated position.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who have had a stroke for more than one month (inclusive).
2. Patients with a history of depression or related mental health disorders.
3. Patients with a history of neck pain, injury, or disease.
4. Patients who have previously undergone tracheostomy or have a tracheostomy tube in place.