Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to describe the risk of dysphagia and to evaluate the effects of a singing intervention for women elderly in community.
METHODS
One-group pre test-post test design was used. The subjects were 29 women over the age of sixty and residing in a local area. A singing intervention consisted of breathing, vowel production and singing. The one hour intervention occurred once a week for eight weeks. The variables of dysphagia risk, a swallowing test, and nutritional status were measured. Analysis was done by paired t-test.
RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in the score of dysphagia risk (p<.001). There were significant increases in the swallowing test scores [modified water swallowing test (p=.032), food test (p=.001)]. There were no significant differences in nutritional status (triceps skin fold thickness, mid arm muscle circumference).
CONCLUSION
The findings support that a singing intervention can be helpful in reducing the risk of dysphagia may improve deglutition for the women elderly. These results suggest that this study may contribute to the use of a singing intervention for women elders with dysphagia risk.