Lip muscle training in stroke patients with dysphagia

Abstract

The median LF was 7 Newtons (N) (range 0-27) before treatment and 18.5 N (range 7-44) after treatment (p < 0.001). The median SC was 0 ml/s (range 0-9.1) before treatment and 12.1 ml/s (range 0-36.7) at follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in swallowing improvement between patients with versus those without facial paresis. The interval between stroke attack and start of treatment, ranging from a few days up to 10 years, had no significant influence on the treatment results, nor did age or sex. The facial paresis was improved or at least ameliorated in all patients after the lip training period.