Question
Is thermal tactile stimulation for swallowing any better than electrical stimulation? I saw a study in the Respiratory Care Journal 2001 that says it is not.
Answer
I too read that article, but believe the research upon which those findings are based is plagued with design limitations that question the value of the results. At this point it is appropriate to say that we do not know the answer to this question. Various researchers are either conducting or designing clinical studies to evaluate the role of these treatment approaches, and I believe one group has combined the approaches into a single ...however this is more rumor than knowledge!
Michael A. Crary, PhD., is a Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Director of the Florida Dysphagia Institute at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Dr. Crary's current clinical and research interests revolve around disorders of swallowing, specifically improving assessment and treatment strategies. Current research projects include studies of the clinical and instrumental evaluation of dysphagia and outcomes of various treatments. He has a long history as a practicing clinician and remains active in patient care. He has written and lectured extensively, including internationally, on these topics. His latest project is the text "The Introduction to Adult Swallowing Disorders" with Michael Groher. He has served as assistant director of the ASHA Special Interest Division #13: Dysphagia. He is a former nominee for the DiCarlo award from ASHA, a recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Achievement Award from ASHA, and has been elected as a Fellow of ASHA.
Michael Crary, Ph.D
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/thickened-liquids-in-clinical-practice-10497Thickened Liquids in Clinical Practice: The Plot “Thickens”Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.auditory, textual, visual
Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/dysphagia-in-neurodegenerative-disease-9732Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative DiseaseDysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.auditory, textual, visual
Dysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-in-thick-it-international-1075620Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.textual, visual
The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/back-to-basics-swallow-screening-8969Back to Basics: Swallow Screening: How, when, and whoScreening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.auditory, textual, visual
Screening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/als-medications-and-oral-care-8717ALS: Medications and Oral CareThis is Part 1 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will identify medication and complementary alternative medicine that may be used by patients to treat ALS. The importance of saliva management and mouth care as a critical component of their daily care will be discussed, along with strategies. (Part 2: Course #8719, Part 3: #8720)auditory, textual, visual
This is Part 1 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will identify medication and complementary alternative medicine that may be used by patients to treat ALS. The importance of saliva management and mouth care as a critical component of their daily care will be discussed, along with strategies. (Part 2: Course #8719, Part 3: #8720)
