OBJECTIVE The effortful swallow was designed to improve posterior mobility of the tongue base and increase intraoral pressures. We characterized the effects of this maneuver via dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in healthy patients. METHODS A 3-T scanner was used to obtain dMRI images of patients swallowing pudding using normal as well as effortful swallows. Ninety sequential images w...

This evidence-based systematic review (EBSR) is part of a series of reviews examining the state of the research regarding behavioral interventions for dysphagia. This EBSR focuses primarily on dysphagia secondary to neurological disorders (e.g., brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and dementia). The seven behavioral treatments investigated were three postural interventions (side lying, c...

This prospective, single-blinded study investigated the validity and reliability of cervical auscultation (CA) under two conditions; (1) CA-only, using isolated swallow-sound clips, and (2) CSE + CA, using extra clinical swallow examination (CSE) information such as patient case history, oromotor assessment, and the same swallow-sound clips as condition one. The two CA conditions were compared ...

OBJECTIVE To identify a most useful and simple clinical screening tool to predict videofluoroscopic aspiration in patients with stroke. DESIGN Factor analysis of multiple dysphagia variables and sensitivity and specificity testing with chi-square test. PATIENTS Sixty-one consecutive stroke patients with symptoms suggestive of dysphagia admitted to a university hospital and its 4 affiliated ...

Pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum [Kleopow] Barbar.) and black swallow-wort (V. nigrum [L.] Moench), European species of herbaceous, perennial viny milkweeds, have become increasingly invasive in various natural and managed habitats in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, including low- and high-light habitats. A classical biological control program is being developed,...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Feeding competency is a frequent and serious challenge to the neonatal intensive care unit survivors and to the physician-provider-parent teams. The urgency of effective assessment and intervention techniques is obviated to promote safe swallow, as attainment of oral feeding for the preterm infant/newborn is one of the prerequisites for hospital discharge. If left unresolved, ...

OBJECTIVE Anecdotal evidence shows that the Shaker exercise and its modifications improve pharyngeal muscle contraction. However, there is no experimental evidence for the same. Thus, the present study examined the effect of modified Shaker exercise on the amplitude and duration of pharyngeal muscle contraction using cervical auscultation. DESIGN The study follows a cross-sectional study desi...

BACKGROUND Cough provides high expiratory airflows to aerosolize and remove material that cannot be adequately removed by ciliary action. Cough is particularly important for clearing foreign particles from the airway in those with dysphagia who may be at risk for penetration/aspiration (P/A). Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) was tested to improve cough and swallow function. METHODS ...