Objective: The objective of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of combining thermal tactile stimulation (TTS) and sour bolus, in comparison to thermal tactile stimulation (TTS) alone on the improvement of swallowing function in acute stroke patients. Method: Three acute stroke patients participated in this investigation, which took place at a sub-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF). Using an alternating treatment design (ATD), the intervention of TTS alone and combining TTS and sour bolus were used to examine their respective effect on swallowing function, as well as a withdrawal of the two study interventions (diet assessment alone). The results were quantified by the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Abilities (MASA). Results: All three participants experienced improved swallowing function with both the TTS alone as well as with the combination of TTS and the sour bolus. However, the study did not establish which one of the interventions was more effective. The literature supports both the TTS and sour bolus independent of one another. Conclusion: As hypothesized, both interventions achieved an efficient improvement of swallowing skills, however the results did not establish that the combined intervention was better than TTS alone. This research should be further explored across other neurological impairments and related dysphagia.
