Yoko Inamoto, SLHT, DMSc, Eiichi Saitoh, MD, DMSc, Seiko Shibata, MD, DMSc,
Hitoshi Kagaya, MD, DMSc, Enri Nakayama, DDS, PhD, Kikuo Ota, MD, DMSc,
Keiko Onogi, MD, DMSc, Yuka Kawamura, SLHT
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 5: 33-39, 2014
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly-developed
evaluation exercise-chair, Swallow Chair (SC), in
terms of simplicity, applicability, and comfort for
dysphagic patients, in comparison with a bed for
adjusting posture.
Methods: The subjects were three dysphagic patients
who underwent videofluoroscopy (VFSS) and the
effectiveness of the combined posture of reclining
with rotation of the trunk and head for safe swallowing
was evaluated. The recommended posture was
adjusted and video-recorded under two conditions -
using the SC or using a bed - during swallowing
training, and the posture was then analyzed and
compared. The evaluation criteria included the
following: items necessary for posture adjustment and
their number (simplicity), time required for posture
adjustment (ease of use), and level of fatigue and pain
experienced by the patient (comfort).
Results: In all patients, SC required fewer items and
less time for posture adjustment and caused lower
subjective fatigue and pain compared with using the
bed. The compensatory posture recommended in the
evaluation was adjusted properly during swallowing
training and meal consumption using the SC and all
patients improved their posture along with food type
and meal frequency.
Conclusions: The SC is a simple, easy-to-use, and
comfortable device for posture adjustment during
evaluation, training, and meal consumption.
Key words: posture adjustment, simplicity, comfort, swallowing, deglutition