DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i04.033

Pages: 632-637

Background: Dysphagia is a common and debilitating complication following cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), often leading to aspiration, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation strategies such as oropharyngeal strengthening exercises are widely used to improve swallowing safety and efficiency. The chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) exercise has recently gained attention as a targeted method to enhance suprahyoid muscle strength, which is critical for hyolaryngeal elevation during swallowing. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CTAR exercise in improving swallowing ability among CVA patients with dysphagia. Methods: A true-experimental design was employed involving 60 post-stroke patients diagnosed with dysphagia. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention group received CTAR exercises in addition to standard swallowing therapy, while the control group received standard therapy alone. The intervention was carried out for 7 days, with sessions conducted every second hourly in a day (10-12 times) and one minute for each time. Swallowing ability was assessed pre- and post-intervention using validated tools such as the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) Scale. Results: Patients in the CTAR group demonstrated significant improvements in swallowing function compared to the control group. The mean and SD of pretest scores 7.6 & 2.5 in experimental group and in control group 7.5 & 2. The mean and SD of post-test scores were 14.5 & 1.9 and in control group 10.4 & 2.5. Statistically significant gains were observed in GUSS scale and dysphagia is reduced. Improvements were particularly evident in hyolaryngeal elevation and upper esophageal sphincter opening. Conclusion: CTAR exercise, when incorporated into conventional dysphagia rehabilitation, is effective in enhancing swallowing ability among CVA patients. Its targeted activation of the suprahyoid muscles makes it a practical, safe, and patient-friendly