Effectiveness of swallowing therapy and forced expiratory technique to prevent aspiration for dysphagia in frail elders

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Difficulty or trouble in eating is termed to beDysphagia, which indicates experience of food encountering delays or obstructions as it moves to the stomach from the mouth. Elderly population is prone to develop dysphagia because of various illnesses that affect their swallowing function, thereby raising the threat of aspiration. The primary goal of the current learning is to assess the effectiveness of swallowing therapy and the forced expiratory technique as preventive measures against aspiration in frail elderly individuals with dysphagia. Methodology: This study is an experimental study done at ACS Medical College and Hospital, specifically in the Physiotherapy OP department. The study involved a sample of 20 individuals and had a treatment duration of 6 weeks. The participants were elderly individuals ranging from 65 to 85 years of age, comprising both males and females. Participants who scored above 18 in the mini mental state exam and fall within levels 3 to 6 according to the FIOS classification were included The outcome measures used in the study were the functional intake oral scale and the gugging swallowing screen. Results: Comparing the Functional Intake Oral Scale (FIOS) Score between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values of 4.40 and 6.40 (Swallowing Therapy) reveals a significantly significant difference between the two mean values at P 0.001. Comparing the gugging swallowing screen (GUSS)score between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values of 11.30 and 17.60 (Swallowing Therapy), it is very significant that there is a difference between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values at P 0.001. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is significant improvement in effects of swallowing therapy for dysphagia in frail elders and forced expiratory technique to prevent aspiration.