Thermal Tactile Stimulation Therapy and Swallowing Function among Patients with Acute Stroke Induced Dysphagia

Fawzy Hanafy, Naglaa; Tharwat Mohamed, Eman; Mustafa El Kotb, Wafaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2024.374544

Thermal Tactile Stimulation Therapy and Swallowing Function among Patients with Acute Stroke Induced Dysphagia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University,Egypt.

² Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2024.374544

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a global disease that poses a threat to patients’ lives, health, and standard of
living. Worldwide, it is one of the main causes of disability and mortality. Proper management of
dysphagia resulted from acute stroke are imperative due to the potential devastating repercussions of
leaving the condition untreated. Since thermal tactile stimulation (TTS) has been found to be the
strongest stimulation of swallowing, it was chosen. Aim: The aim of the current study was to
evaluate the effect of thermal tactile stimulation therapy on swallowing function among patients
with acute stroke induced dysphagia. Design: Pre/posttest quazi experimental research design was
utilized to achieve the aim of the current study. Setting: The study was carried out at the internal
medicine units of Menoufia University Teaching Hospital, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample
included sixty adult male and female patients suffering from dysphagia following acute stroke.
Tools: Five tools were used to collect data. Tool I: Personal and Medical- related Data Assessment
Form. Tool II: Swallow Function Scoring System (SFSS). Tool III: Swallowing performance
status (SPS) scale. Tool IV: Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIC) and Tool V: FLACC Pain Scale.
Results: There was highly statistical significant difference between the pre & post-intervention
regarding both Swallow Function Scoring System (SFSS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and
Swallowing Performance Status (SPS) Scale. Moreover, feeling relaxed and comfortable was
increased in the post-intervention period double the percentage found in the pre-intervention
Conclusion: Thermal tactile stimulation is one of noninvasive therapeutic option for dysphagia,
which also has the benefit of actively supporting swallowing. Additionally, it lessens the likelihood
of the dysphagia's later consequences and aids in the restoration of the normal swallowing process.
Recommendations: Health education programs should be developed for patients to facilitate the
training and organization of care provided to them regarding dysphagia. Long-term follow up for
dysphagia should be provided following discharge

Keywords