Effectiveness of Biofeedback Therapy versus Traditional Therapy on Dysphagia: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of biofeedback on the severity of dysphagia in Parkinson’s patients.

Study Design: A randomized control trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Fauji Foundation Hospital Islamabad from 1st January 2024 to 30th June, 2024.

Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted in Fauji Foundation Hospital, Islamabad. A sample of n=12 was recruited by utilizing convenient sampling technique. Parkinson’s patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia without cognitive impairment was included and patients with NG tube were excluded. Randomization was done to divide the participants into Control group (n=6) which received traditional exercises and Experimental group (n=6) which received biofeedback strengthening using tongueometer. Each group underwent twelve sessions of exercises after a baseline evaluation and received therapy for 30 minutes, having four sessions per week. FOIS was used for pre & post evaluation of patients. Analysis of the data was done using SPSS 22.0.

Results: Mann-Whitney test results, FOIS scores showed significant improvement (p = 0.02) in the biofeedback group (6 ± 0) as compared to the control group (5 ± 1), thus indicating decreased severity of dysphagia. The biofeedback group showed significantly higher tongue strength and tongue endurance compared to the control group in independent t-test results. The results showed that there was difference in FOIS in terms of severity among Experimental group and control group. The severity was significantly lower in experimental group than the control group after post assessment (MR = 8.67 vs 4.33). Additionally, repeated measures ANOVA for within-group analysis confirmed significant improvements. which indicated that the null hypothesis is rejected.

Conclusion: The study concludes that biofeedback tool is effective and have potential benefits of incorporating it into therapeutic interventions for clients with dysphagia as compared to traditional exercises.