A Randomized Control Study to Determine the Effects of Unlimited Oral Intake of Water in Patients with Identified Aspiration

Abstract

No statistical differences were found in the moderator variables of age, gender, eth nicity, stroke location, amount of initial aspiration, or presence/absence of a cough reflex. Using a t-test for independent means, a significant difference (p = 0.03) oc curred between groups on average intake of thickened liquids.Conclusion : Until further larger scale research utilizing water intake with known aspirators is conducted, it is recommended that water (and ice chips) be given presently only in instances of patient refusal to drink thickened liquids or when hydration is sues cause medical concern.