The influence of kinesiologic tape on swallowing function in patients with parkinson's disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesiologic tape (KT) on swallowing frequency, swallowing electrophysiology and swallowing related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's Diesase (PD). The study included 65 years and older Parkinsonian people (n=18, 73.06±7.53 age), Hoehn&Yahr I-III, who had no complaints of swallowing. Also healthy elderly subjects who underwent KT (n=15, 69.47±5.74 age) and without KT (n=15, 70.53±5.64) were included. All participants exposed to superficial electromyographic (EMG) swallowing evaluation procedure including Single Bolus Analysis (SBA), Dysphagia Limit (DL) and Sequential Water Swallowing (SWS) tests. Besides, frequency of swallowing, the Turkish-Eating Assessment Tool (T-EAT-10), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the Turkish-Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (TSWAL-QOL) were applied. After initial evaluation; KT applied to the laryngeal region for 6 weeks, 3 times a week, to the patients with PD and healthy elderly group. They were re-evaluated at the end of the process. According to the DL test; %38.9 of Parkinsonian subjects were dysphagic. Laryngeal displacement (LDP) and submental EMG (SM-EMG) total durations were prolonged when compared with healthy elderly (p1=0.008) (p2=0.007). In addition; 100 ml water swallow and related apnea period duration were significantly prolonged (p1=0.002) (p2=0.008), T-EAT10 scores were worse (p=0,030). It was seen that LDP and total duration of SMEMG shortened/improved in Parkinsonians after KT (p1=0.013) (p2=0.011). Swallowing frequency rate increased at 1 hour after KT (p=0.00) however it decreased after removal at the end of the 6th week (p=0.00). There wasn't any change in MNT and T-SWAL-QOL scores (p1=0.163) (p2=0.244); nevertheless TEAT-10 scores showed improvement (p=0.010). As a conclusion; although KT seems to improve some swallowing-related electrophysiological measurements and swallowing frequency, we think that the use of evidence-based methods and correct case selection are necessary for the effectiveness to be permanent. Key words: electromyography, kinesio tape, parkinson's disease, swallowing.