Volume-viscosity swallow test to facilitate individualized dietary modifications for dysphagia following intracerebral hemorrhage.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of individualized dietary modifications based on the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) on functional oral intake, incidence of pneumonia, and swallowing-related quality of life in individuals with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods: One hundred and seven participants with signs of dysphagia in the acute and early subacute phases of stroke following intracerebral hemorrhage were randomly assigned into an experimental group for individualized dietary modifications based on V-VST plus routine standard care (n = 53), and a control group for routine care alone (n = 54). Incidence of pneumonia, functional oral intake scale (FOIS) ratings and Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores before and after intervention were evaluated.

Results: A significantly lower incidence of pneumonia was found in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant group differences were found in functional oral intake and in quality of life, with significantly higher FOIS ratings and significantly lower EAT-10 scores in the experimental group post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings suggested that despite being a noninstrumental screening tool, V-VST could facilitate individualized dietary modifications and could be an effective clinical option for reducing the risk of pneumonia, improving functional oral intake and enhancing quality of life in individuals with dysphagia following intracerebral hemorrhage. Future studies should explore how dietary modifications could be more precisely implemented based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative framework.