Dysphagia Treatment Post Stroke: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Age and Ageing
Foley, N., Teasell, R., et al. (2008).
Age and Ageing, 3(3), 258-264.
This systematic review the effectiveness of dysphagia treatments (e.g., texture-modified diets, general dysphagia treatments, non-oral feeding) in adults with dysphagia following stroke.
Canadian Stroke Network; Canadian Institutes of Health Research
1966 to August 2007
Randomized controlled trials
15
The authors conclude that general dysphagia therapy programs are associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia in the acute stroke stage. However, the heterogeneity and limited number of treatments (e.g. diet modification, swallowing therapy programs, non-oral feeding, medications, and stimulation) and outcomes evaluated along with the small number of trials "precluded conclusions being drawn that have definitive implications for clinical practice" (p. 263).
No conclusions could be drawn regarding the effectiveness of dietary texture modifications for individuals post stroke.
