A Systematic Analysis Of Shaker’s Exercise Effectiveness For Dysphagia Management In Patients After Cerebrovascular Accidents

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia, or swallowing dysfunction, is a common complication following cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Shaker's exercise, a rehabilitative technique targeting the suprahyoid muscles, has shown promise in improving swallowing function. Shaker's exercise is a well-established rehabilitative technique for managing dysphagia, or swallowing dysfunction, in patients. This exercise targets the suprahyoid muscles, specifically the anterior digastric, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid muscles, which play a crucial role in swallowing. By strengthening these muscles, Shaker's exercise improves swallowing efficiency, reduces aspiration risk, and enhances overall dysphagia management. Studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Shaker's exercise in patients with dysphagia resulting from various etiologies, including cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Significant improvements have been observed in: Swallowing efficiency (p < 0.001), Oral-pharyngeal transit time (p < 0.01), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores (p < 0.05). Clinical assessments of swallowing function Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Shaker's exercise in managing dysphagia in patients post-CVA.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) for studies published between 2010 and 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies examining Shaker's exercise in adult patients with post-CVA dysphagia.

Results: Eight studies (5 RCTs, 3 observational) involving 242 patients were analyzed. Shaker's exercise demonstrated significant improvements in swallowing function, as measured by videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and clinical assessments. Notable enhancements were observed in: Swallowing efficiency (p < 0.001), Oral-pharyngeal transit time (p < 0.01), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This systematic analysis provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of Shaker's exercise in managing dysphagia in patients after CVAs. Clinicians should consider incorporating this exercise into rehabilitative protocols to improve swallowing outcomes and enhance patient quality of life.