Abstract
[Purpose] The main objective of this study was to provide basic data on the functional dysphagia scale after Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). [Subjects] Subjects were divided into normal persons aged over 70 (N=18) and normal persons younger than 30 (N=10). [Method] Each group underwent videofluoroscopy and the Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS) was used to evaluate subjects’ swallowing characteristics. The aged group underwent a second videofluoroscopy and FDS evaluation after NMES. NMES was administered 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks to the aged group’s suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles using four electrodes. [Results] The average value of FDS after NMES of the aged group was significantly lower than before NMES. The average values of FDS before and after the NMES showed a significant statistical difference. [Conclusion] After NMES, the average value of FDS was very low in the older group, being only slightly lower than the average of the young group.
