A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) Exercise in Improving Swallowing Ability among Cerebrovascular Accident Patients with Dysphagia at Selected Hospital, Chennai

Stroke is a major health problem in both the developed and developing countries. It is the second most leading causes of death above 60 years. The world heart federation states that every year 15 million people suffer with stroke globally. In order improve the overall outcome after stroke it is essential that the swallowing and feeding performance need to improved through Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) exercise. The study was conducted in Government hospital, Thiruvallur and the research method is Quasi experimental Time series design. As per the inclusion criteria 30 samples were selected by purposive sampling and pre-test and post-test done. Pre-test data was collected from both the groups by interview and observation method. Then Chin Tuck Against Resistance exercise was administered for 15 days, 3 times per day to all the CVA patients. Post-test assessment of swallowing ability among CVA patients were assessed using GUSS (Gugging Swallowing Screen) in both the pre test and post test group after the exercise during their next feeding time 15 days, 3 times per day. The study finding revealed that in pre test assessment of swallowing ability among CVA patients showed all 30 patients in the group having severe dysphagia. After administration of CTAR exercise gradually at the end of fifteen days of observation mostly 6 of them progressed no dysphagia and 6 of them progressed to mild dysphagia and 10 of them progressed to moderate dysphagia. Thus it concludes that CTAR exercise is effective in improving the swallowing ability among CVA patients with dysphagia. Thus Chin Tuck Against Resistance exercise was helpful in improving the swallowing ability among CVA patients with dysphagia.