Effect of Kinesiology Taping and Swallowing Exercises on Suprahyoid Muscle Thickness and Swallowing Function in Stroke Patients With Dysphagia

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Stroke; Dysphagia; Cerebrovascular Disorders

• Registration Number: NCT06988215
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled single-blind study aims to investigate the effect of kinesiology taping combined with resistance exercises on suprahyoid muscle thickness and swallowing function in patients with stroke-related dysphagia. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving real kinesiology taping and a control group receiving placebo taping, both combined with standardized swallowing exercises for 6 weeks. Outcome measures include ultrasonographic evaluation of oropharyngeal muscles (geniohyoid, mylohyoid, anterior digastric, and tongue muscles), swallowing function assessed by the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test, EAT-10, T-SWAL-QOL, Dysphagia Handicap Index, FOIS, and Functional Ambulation Level. This study will contribute to determining effective rehabilitation methods for improving safe swallowing in post-stroke patients.

Detailed Description

Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke, associated with serious consequences such as dehydration, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia. These complications can prolong hospital stays, impair physical function, and reduce the overall quality of life. The suprahyoid muscle group, which plays a crucial role in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, is often affected post-stroke. Weakness in these muscles can lead to impaired hyolaryngeal excursion, resulting in incomplete upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, residue in the valleculae and piriform sinuses, and increased risk of aspiration and penetration.

The suprahyoid muscles (geniohyoid, mylohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, and stylohyoid) are essential for the anterior-superior movement of the hyolaryngeal complex during swallowing. Rehabilitation targeting this muscle group is clinically important to restore safe and effective swallowing function.

Kinesiology taping (KT) is a non-invasive method widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. KT is believed to support joint alignment, enhance muscle function, and provide mechanical feedback through skin tension. In recent studies, KT has shown promise in enhancing the effects of rehabilitation in conditions such as ankle instability, adhesive capsulitis, and hallux valgus. KT has also been proposed as a novel therapeutic option in the management of neurogenic dysphagia by providing resistance to the hyolaryngeal complex, thereby increasing muscle engagement during swallowing exercises.

This single-blind randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of resistance exercises combined with kinesiology taping on the suprahyoid muscle group in patients with stroke. A total of 36 patients will be randomly assigned into two equal groups: the control group (receiving placebo kinesiology taping plus standard exercises) and the intervention group (receiving real kinesiology taping plus standard exercises).

Ultrasonographic assessment of the suprahyoid muscles (geniohyoid, mylohyoid, anterior digastric, and tongue muscles) will be conducted at baseline and after 6 weeks. Swallowing function will be evaluated using the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVST), the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Turkish version of the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (T-SWAL-QOL), the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and the Functional Ambulation Measure (FIM).

Kinesiology tape will be applied in three directions: from the hyoid bone to the clavicle, to the sternum, and horizontally across the hyoid. Participants in both groups will perform effortful swallow and oromotor exercises daily (50 swallows per day, divided into 5 sets of 10 repetitions) for 6 weeks. Tape will be renewed every 3 days.

This study will help determine whether kinesiology taping can enhance the outcomes of dysphagia rehabilitation in post-stroke patients, potentially offering a low-cost and non-invasive adjunctive treatment to traditional therapy.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-04
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-23
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-26
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-30
• Primary Completion: 2025-10-10
• Study Completion: 2025-10-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 36

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients aged between 50 and 80 years
• Diagnosed with stroke
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score greater than 22
• Voluntary participation with written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Open wounds or unresolved skin problems in the neck area
• Known allergy to kinesiology tape or its components
• Medically unstable conditions
• Primary esophageal disorders (e.g., achalasia, upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Ultrasound Measurement of Oropharyngeal Muscle Thickness Time Frame: Baseline and Week 6 Outcome Description: The thickness of oropharyngeal muscles, including the mylohyoid, geniohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, and tongue muscles, will be measured	Baseline and Week 6	The thickness of oropharyngeal muscles, including the mylohyoid, geniohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, and tongue muscles, will be measured using ultrasonography at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI)	Baseline and Week 6	The Dysphagia Handicap Index will be used to evaluate the psychosocial and functional impact of dysphagia on patients, assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Change in Swallowing-Related Quality of Life (T-SWAL-QOL)	Baseline and Week 6	Swallowing-related quality of life will be assessed using the Turkish version of the SWAL-QOL questionnaire, administered before and after the intervention.
Change in Swallowing Safety Assessed by Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVST)	Baseline and Week 6	Swallowing function will be evaluated using the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test to assess changes in safety and efficiency of oral intake before and after the intervention.
9Change in Dysphagia Severity Assessed by EAT-10(The Eating Assessment Tool	Baseline and Week 6	The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) will be used to quantify self-perceived dysphagia symptoms. Scores will be compared between baseline and the sixth week.
Change in Functional Independence Measure (FIM)	Baseline and Week 6	The Functional Independence Measure will be used to assess changes in overall functional status and mobility in relation to swallowing performance over the 6-week period.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Research Hospital; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Bahçelievler, Turkey