Yıldırım R., Demır N.
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Tıp Dergisi, cilt.12, sa.2, ss.189-196, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Özet
Swallowing disorder is defined as a condition resulting from disruptions or abnormalities occurring at any phase of the swallowing mechanism. In swallowing rehabilitation; airway protection techniques, sensory stimulation methods, exercise approaches, manual techniques, behavioural therapy approaches, caregiver training, telerehabilitation are used. One of the most commonly used therapeutic and compensatory methods in airway protection is postural techniques. The aim of postural techniques is to ensure or increase the efficiency and safety of swallowing by changing the bolus flow rate and direction with short-term changes in swallowing anatomy or physiology. Postural techniques can be used as exercises with defined protocols and introduced to patients at different stages of rehabilitation. Postural techniques can be used for purposes such as reducing the residue, changing the direction of food flow to the intact side, ensuring food delivery, reducing or preventing aspiration according to the needs of the patient and may lead to different results in each patient. In order to understand the place and importance of postural techniques in swallowing rehabilitation, future studies on how they work in different pathologies and conditions are needed. The aim of this review is to emphasise the importance of postural techniques by reviewing the current literature and to provide ideas for future studies.