Videofluoroscopy for assessing the capsule swallowing capability of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To explore the value of videofluoroscopy in assessing the capsule swallowing ability of stroke survivors.@*Methods@#Twenty-seven stroke survivors with functional oral intake scale ratings of 4-7 with no aspiration were selected as a patient group, while 16 healthy subjects were chosen as a control group. All swallowed capsules filled with barium sulfate with water while being monitored videofluoroscopically. The success rate of capsule swallowing was recorded along with oral transit time, stage transition time (STT), pharyngeal transition time, the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening time, delay time (DT), superior hyoid bone movement, anterior hyoid bone movement and UES opening diameter for each swallowing.@*Results@#The swallowing success ratio was 78.3% in the patient group, significantly lower than in the control group. Swallowing failures manifested as hindered transport and retention of the capsule in the oral or pharyngeal cavity. Significant differences were found in STT and DT between the two groups.@*Conclusion@#Even if eating and swallowing ability recover somewhat after a stroke, survivors still have difficulty swallowing oral medication. Clinical assessment for ability to take oral medication is crucial and videofluoroscopy can be one useful tool.