Comparison between the Effectiveness of Thermal Tactile Stimulation and Oral Motor Swallowing Exercise among Patients with Neurogenic Dysphagia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

2 Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

3 Professor of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

4 Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Thermal tactile stimulation enhances swallowing ability and function. Purpose of the study: To compare the effectiveness of thermal tactile stimulation and oral motor swallowing exercise among patients with neurogenic dysphagia. Setting: Medical and Trauma ICUs at Menoufia University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of 90 patients with neurogenic dysphagia participated in the study. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Instruments: Demographic and clinical data Sheet, Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale, Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability, Functional Oral Intake Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II. Results: Post-intervention, the thermal tactile stimulation group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the oral motor swallowing exercise group and the control group. Dysphagia severity, aspiration risk, and ICU stay were all significantly reduced in the thermal group, while functional oral intake improved notably (all p = 0.000). A strong positive correlation was observed between dysphagia severity and mortality risk across all groups. Conclusion: Thermal tactile stimulation was more effective than oral motor swallowing exercise in reducing dysphagia severity, aspiration risk, and ICU stay duration while enhancing functional oral intake among neurogenic dysphagia patients. Recommendation: Incorporating thermal tactile stimulation into routine intensive care unit practice to enhance swallowing ability and prevent complications associated with neurogenic dysphagia.

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