Background
More than 50% of stroke survivors were reported to have dysphagia. To treat dysphagia, oromotor exercises are used to increase oral sensitivity and the strength and range of motion of the muscles involved in swallowing. However, for swallowing exercises to reach their full effect, strict adherence to them is required. Despite the importance of adhering to swallowing exercises, research suggested that patient compliance to long-term swallowing exercises is only 40%.
Gamification is a promising solution to increase patient adherence to exercise-based intervention. They are shown to be satisfactory and superior to traditional exercises in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency, learnability, and satisfaction (González-González et al., 2019).
Aim
The purpose of this study was to develop an online training website containing a collection of gamified swallowing exercises, examine its effectiveness in improving participants’ range of laryngeal elevation and their adherence to rehabilitation routine.
Methodology
40 healthy adults will be recruited. Participants will be instructed to play the gamified rehabilitation program once per day over 1 weeks. Pitch range and maximum phonation time will be analyzed to assess laryngeal elevation height and time. Also, a survey will be used to gather information regarding participant’s experience of carrying the oral motor exercises.