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.
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
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)
Parallel
Kinesiology Taping with Exercise
Other interventionReal kinesiology taping is applied to the suprahyoid region in three directions (from the hyoid bone to the clavicle, to the sternum, and horizontally). Taping is renewed every three days. Participants also perform effortful swallowing and oromotor exercises daily (5 sets of 10 repetitions) for 6 weeks.
Placebo Taping with Exercise
Other interventionNon-therapeutic kinesiology taping with no tension is applied to the suprahyoid region to mimic the appearance of the therapeutic tape. Participants perform the same daily swallowing and oromotor exercises as the intervention group for 6 weeks
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
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.
Change in Swallowing Safety Assessed by Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVST)
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
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 Swallowing-Related Quality of Life (T-SWAL-QOL)
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 Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI)
The Dysphagia Handicap Index will be used to evaluate the psychosocial and functional impact of dysphagia on patients, assessed pre- and post-treatment.
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