Effects of Rehabilitative Exercises on Swallowing Function in Elderly People: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (original) (raw)

Background: Swallowing problems are common in healthy elders. Swallowing difficulties are the cause of medical and psychosocial complications in old age. Thus, to prevent and minimize these complications, diagnosis and proper interventions are important. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of rehabilitative exercises on swallowing function and quality of life in older adults. Methods: A total of forty healthy elders were randomly assigned to the rehabilitative exercises group (n = 20) and the compensatory group (n = 20). Inclusion criteria in this study were as follows: age 60 - 80; the presence of swallowing problems assessed clinically by a speech therapist; no history of swallowing treatment, pneumonia or head and neck surgery, and other neurological or general disorders that can influence swallowing function. Randomization was undertaken using a block randomization technique. Rehabilitative exercises, including muscle strengthening exercises, were used in 3 s...