Background and Purpose: A large number of stroke patients present with dysphagia and aspiration especially in early phase of disease. On the other hand lung functions are also surely affected in stroke patients and constitute the largest factor behind mortality and longer hospital stay in such patients. We believe this might be the prime reason behind dysphagia, aspiration and pulmonary infections in stroke patients. This research with help of bedside assessment tool tries to assess the lung efficiency in acute stroke, chronic stroke and compares it with that of normal nonsmoking age and gender matched controls. Methodology: This study was carried out with 60 male subjects between age 50-80 at Himalayan hospital premise. 15 Acute stroke subjects (Group-A), 15 chronic stroke subjects (Group-B) and 30 healthy age and gender matched non-smokers (Group-C) were selected according to the selection criteria for the study. After thorough assessment and informed consent, PEFR readings were obtained at the specified timed during the day. After a visual demonstration and instructions, three consecutive readings of PEFR were recorded in each subject and duly noted according to the type and duration of stroke. Results: Comparison of PEFR value among acute stroke, chronic stroke and control group shows that there is a statistically significant difference between the PEFR values. Acute stroke shows PEFR values  50% of age and gender matched control. While chronic stroke demonstrates PEFR values only 60-70% of normal. Conclusion: There exists a statistically significant difference between the PEFR values of acute stroke, chronic stroke and control group. Acute stroke patients has less than half of capacity of exhaling out air as compared to normal age and gender matched subjects, perhaps this is the reason why acute stroke patients are most likely to present with dysphagia and aspiration. Although chronic stroke patients also demonstrate dysphagia and aspiration but at much lower rate. This is in line with their PEFR values which show an improving capacity of force of exhalation. The study points out for more elaborate research on the topic and need of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation in stroke patients as early as possible.

Keywords: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Ischemic Stroke; Lung Functions; Dysphagia; Aspiration.