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Oropharyngeal Strengthening and Rehabilitation of Deglutitive Disorders

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Manual of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques for Disorders of Deglutition

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the theory and evidence supporting oropharyngeal strengthening therapy for dysphagia rehabilitation based in principles of exercise, sensorimotor learning and neuromuscular functional interrelationships in the oropharynx. Comprehensive information is provided on anatomy and physiology of the tongue and related musculature/structures as well as therapeutic outcomes with healthy elders and specific patient populations including patients post-stroke and those with head and neck cancer. Strengthening protocol parameters such as frequency, repetition and duration are reviewed relative to published evidence as well as a side-by-side comparison of available devices for facilitation of oropharyngeal strengthening. Dysphagia therapy historically has focused on compensatory and dietary modification. While still useful options, evidence provided in this chapter supports the concept that patients with dysphagia caused, at least in part, by oropharyngeal weakness that complete progressive oropharyngeal strengthening exercises are capable of making significant gains in swallowing kinematics with associated improvements in bolus flow, safety and quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Jacqueline A. Hind MS/CCC-SLP, BRS-S

  2. Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    JoAnne Robbins PhD, CCC-SLP, BRS-S

Authors
  1. Jacqueline A. Hind MS/CCC-SLP, BRS-S
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  2. JoAnne Robbins PhD, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to JoAnne Robbins PhD, CCC-SLP, BRS-S .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Div. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, West Wisconsin Avenue 9200, Milwaukee, 53226, Wisconsin, USA

    Reza Shaker

  2. , Dpt of Communication Sciences & Disorder, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, East Hartford Ave 2400, Milwaukee, 53201, Wisconsin, USA

    Caryn Easterling

  3. , Dpt Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surg., UC Davis Medical Center, Stockton Blvd. 2521, Sacramento, 95817, California, USA

    Peter C. Belafsky

  4. Ctr for Voice, Airway & Swallowing Disor, Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Health Sciences University, 15th Street 1120, Augusta, 30912, Georgia, USA

    Gregory N. Postma

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Hind, J.A., Robbins, J. (2013). Oropharyngeal Strengthening and Rehabilitation of Deglutitive Disorders. In: Shaker, R., Easterling, C., Belafsky, P., Postma, G. (eds) Manual of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques for Disorders of Deglutition. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3779-6_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3779-6_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-3778-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-3779-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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