Effect of expiratory muscle training on stomatognathic system in patients with stroke

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of expiratory muscle training on the stomatognathic system in patients with stroke. Total of 31 individuals included as 16 control and 15 study group to the study. Temporomandibular joint range of motion, masticatory muscle pressure pain threshold, facial asymmetry existence, head posture, oral hygiene and oral hygiene habit, masticatory performance, intraoral pH, deglutition function and deep neck flexor muscle endurance of the individuals was assessed in order by; digital caliper, algometry, labial commissure and craniocervical angle measurement, general oral health assessment index and questionnaire, sieve test, digital pH gauge, repetitive saliva swallow test and, Eating Assessment Tool and deep neck flexor endurance test. While study group was enrolled to 20-session expiratory muscle training 10 repetition with 5 sets in addition to conventional physiotherapy, control group enrolled to the conventional physiotherapy programme. Expiratory muscle training improved the mandibular bilateral lateral deviation and depression range of motion (p<0,05). Expiratory muscle training didn't cause any changes in masticatory muscle pressure pain, facial asymmetry existence, head posture, oral hygiene and oral hygiene habit, masticatory performance, intraoral pH, deglutition function and deep neck flexor muscle endurance of the individuals (p>0,05). Our study showed that, 20-session expiratory muscle training is an effective approach for the rehabilitation of mandibular range of motion limitation in patients with stroke.