Objective: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of he McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) on spontaneous swallowing frequency (SSF) in post-stroke nursing home patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Oropharyngeal Disphagia is a common post-stroke complication associated with heightened morbidity and mortality. Research has established a relationship between reduced rate of SSF and OD. Methods: Three adult patients with OD underwent 15 sessions of MDTP. Clinical diagnosis of OD was established pre-treatment through Video fluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MANN). Functional Oral Intake Scale (FIOS) was employed to assess oral intake status. Participants’ SSF per minute was recorded via recordings over 15 minutes. These assessments were conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment visit 16, and after a 3-week follow-up period. Results: All 3 participants with OD exhibited reduced SSF prior to MDTP. Following treatment, there was a noteworthy increase in SSF and noted improvement in clinical swallowing proficiency, functional oral intake, weight augmentation, and patient perception of swallowing ability post-MDTP. Conclusion: The use of MDTP offered improved utility in identifying the severity of OD pre-treatment but also provided a cogent method for monitoring progress and outcome across the treatment period. The inclusion of noninvasive SSF monitoring may enhance efficacious interventions aimed at addressing OD.
