Background: The therapeutic exercise method using kinesiology taping (KT) has been reported to be effective in activating the suprahyoid muscle in healthy adults. However, its applicability and effectiveness are not known to the physically vulnerable elderly. Objectives: To investigate the effects of kinesiology taping on the activity of suprahyoid muscles in community-dwelling elderly people. Design: Repeated measure design. Methods: We enrolled 23 healthy elderly adults (age range 60–75 years) with no history of neurologic disease. Participants performed five consecutive spontaneous swallowing actions at 5-second intervals under three conditions (KT with 80% stretch, placebo-KT, and non-KT. Activation of the suprahyoid muscles during swallowing in the three conditions was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). In addition, a 0–10 numerical rating self-report scale was used to evaluate the required effort and the resistance felt during swallowing. Results: KT with 80% stretch were significantly higher in sEMG mean value, peak value, required effort, and resistance felt during swallowing compared to other two conditions (P<.05, all). KT with 80% stretch required the most effort during swallowing and, consequently, has a positive effect on increasing suprahyoid muscle activation. Conclusion: Our results could be taken into consideration in therapeutic exercise method for suprahyoid muscle in dysphagia rehabilitation.

Background: Recently, a new home-based dysphagia rehabilitation method using information and communications technology (ICT) has been reported, but clinical evidence is still lacking. Objectives: To investigate the effects of home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT on tongue muscle strength and volume in patients with developed dysphagia after stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Twenty patients who developed dysphagia after stroke were enrolled. The experimental group received dysphagia rehabilitation in the form of ICT-based home care. In contrast, the control group received traditional rehabilitation based on swallowing under the supervision of occupational therapists. All interventions were conducted five times a week for four weeks. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant increases in tongue muscle strength and volume after the intervention (P<.05, both). However, there were no significant differences in tongue strength or volume between the two groups after the intervention (P>.05, both). Conclusion: Home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT showed effects similar to those of conventional swallowing rehabilitation in patients who developed dysphagia after stroke. These findings suggest that dysphagia rehabilitation can be conducted at home without the help of a therapist.