Effect of swallowing training on dysphagia patients after anterior cervical decompression and interbody fusion

Objective To explore the effect of swallowing function training on dysphagia patients after anterior cervical decompression and interbody fusion. Methods From January 2014 to January 2018, 119 patients with anterior cervical decompression and interbody fusion and difficulty in swallowing were divided into intervention group (59 cases) and control group (60 cases) by random digits table method. Patients in the control group were given routine hospital nursing and health education, while patients in the intervention group were given swallowing function training for 6 months, and swallowing function and quality of life were evaluated by Water Swallow Test and M.D.Anderson Dysphagia Inventory(MDADI) and compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in swallowing function and quality of life between the two groups(P> 0.05). After intervention, Water Swallow Test score was 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) in the intervention group, and 3.00 (2.00, 4.00) in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (Z value was 3.205, P < 0.01). After intervention, the total score of MDADI and general, emotional, social and physiological functions dimensions was (69.91 ± 10.59), (3.37 ± 0.63), (21.37 ± 2.97), (17.91 ± 2.14), (27.26 ± 4.19) in the intervention group, and (64.61 ± 9.78), (2.96 ± 0.66), (19.69 ± 3.03), (16.48 ± 4.41) in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (t value was 2.257-3.714, all P < 0.05). Conclusions Swallowing function training can improve the range and strength of patients' oral, tongue, cheek, mandible and pharynx and larynx muscles, and help improve patients' dysphagia and quality of life. Key words: Nursing care; Dysphagia; Intervertebral fusion; Cervical vertebra