Is the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique superior to Shaker exercises in swallowing rehabilitation?

Purpose This prospective study was planned to investigate whether the combined isotonic technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is superior to Shaker exercises in improving the function of swallowing muscles. Methods Fifty individuals (30 females and 20 males; mean age 68 ± 3.89 years) with swallowing difficulties were separated into two groups randomly. The treatment groups were Shaker and PNF groups, which performed these exercises three times in a week for6 weeks. Swallowing difficulties were determined with the Turkish version of the eating assessment tool (T-EAT-10). The 100 ml-water swallow test was used to measure capacity, volume, and speed of swallowing. Contraction amplitude changes used as a universal measurement of motor unit activity during the muscle action were measured with superficial electromyography. Result After 6 weeks of exercise training, T-EAT-10 scores decreased in both groups ( p