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Dysphagia research

Everything we have read on dysphagia. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

715 PAPERS · PAGE 10 OF 15 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTSLPCohort2024Linking Oropharyngeal Swallowing Physiology and Functional Clinical Predictors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groupsIn people with ALS, oral swallowing impairment worsened as respiratory function declined. However, the standard ALS functional rating scale did not predict swallowing severity, meaning global physical scores may miss specific oral and pharyngeal deficits.
• OTSLPPilot2023A Unique Clinical Tool for the Evaluation of Oral Feeding Skills in Infants.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieIn 16 premature infants, adding a nipple monitoring device to bottle feeds did not change feed duration, intake volume, or rate of transfer compared with feeds without it, and no adverse events occurred.
• SLPPilot2024Swallowing and feeding of young children on high-flow oxygen therapy.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsMost young children on high-flow oxygen tolerated pureed and semi-solid foods safely. Thin liquids triggered coughing and aspiration signs in four children. Chewing was often too tiring. Start with thicker textures and monitor closely, as this small study cannot prove safety for all patients.
• SLPNarrative Review2024Impaired oral health: a required companion of bacterial aspiration pneumonia.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPoor oral health and plaque biofilms are a required pillar of bacterial aspiration pneumonia in at-risk patients. Daily toothbrushing and organized professional oral care may reduce pneumonia, febrile days, and death.
• SLPNarrative Review2024Hypotussic cough in persons with dysphagia: biobehavioral interventions and pathways to clinical implementation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesCough training and assisted clearance can improve cough measures in people with dysphagia who cough too little. Skill-based cough practice and expiratory strength training helped in some groups, especially Parkinson's disease, but benefits varied by condition.
• SLPCohort2024The Effectiveness of Slightly Thick Liquids for Improving Swallowing in Bottle-Fed Children With Aerodigestive Concerns.Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groupsSlightly thick liquids did not significantly reduce penetration frequency in bottle-fed children with swallowing concerns. While they lowered the amount of penetration seen, they increased sucking effort and pharyngeal residue, suggesting a trade-off between safety and efficiency.
• SLPPilot2024Orofacial myofunctional and polysomnographic characteristics of children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.CoDASChildren with Down syndrome and sleep apnea who had more orofacial muscle and structure problems on screening also had more severe sleep apnea events. This link was found in just twelve children, so it is a hypothesis to test, not a diagnostic rule.
• PTSLPCase-Control2024Differences in cough strength, respiratory function, and physical performance in older adults with and without low swallowing function in the repetitive saliva swallowing test.Journal of physical therapy scienceOlder adults with low swallowing screening had weaker cough and breathing muscles than matched controls. Lung function and physical tests were similar. The analysis included 14 low swallowing and 14 controls.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2024Nil per os in the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia-exploring the unintended consequences.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesNil per os (NPO) does not reliably prevent aspiration pneumonia and causes significant harm, including dehydration, muscle wasting, and reduced quality of life. Clinicians should avoid using NPO as a default intervention and instead weigh the transfer of risk to other body systems.
• SLPCase Report2024Ultrasonographic analysis of the hyoid bone distance in individuals with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia.CoDASUltrasound showed the hyoid bone moved less upward during swallowing in adults with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia than in healthy adults. Food consistency did not change the measurement.
• SLPSystematic Review2024Relationship between prematurity and difficulties in the transition of food consistency in childhood: a systematic review.CoDASMost included studies found no clear link between prematurity and trouble moving through food textures. Some studies reported early complementary feeding, lower gestational age links to feeding difficulty, and oral motor signs such as gagging or refusal.
• SLPOther2024Swallowing performance of elderly people and sociodemographic, cognitive and language factors.CoDASNo statistical link was found between swallowing complaints and cognitive or language scores in 32 older adults. However, all four participants with high self-reported swallowing risk also had lower scores on cognitive and language screenings.
• SLPCase-Control2024How Do Quantitative Videofluoroscopy Measures Differ Between People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Age-Matched Healthy Adults?Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRPeople with early ALS showed significantly slower hyoid movement across all liquid thicknesses compared to healthy adults. They also had more frequent issues with airway closure and multiple swallows per sip, particularly on thinner liquids. These differences were not seen in healthy adults.
• SLPNarrative Review2024A Clinical Focus on Shared Decision Making in Clinical Practice When Providing Dysarthria and Dysphagia Services to Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groupsThis paper outlines a step-by-step framework for shared decision making in ALS care, illustrated by a fictional case. It describes how to present options for voice banking and feeding tubes but reports no data on whether this approach improves patient outcomes or satisfaction.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2024Linking the impact of aspiration to host variables using the BOLUS framework: support from a rapid review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPoor oral health and the presence of feeding or tracheostomy tubes strongly increase the risk of pulmonary complications in patients with aspiration. However, there is insufficient evidence to link aspiration of thick liquids to pneumonia or to predict mortality, so decisions on diet texture and NPO status remain complex.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics - an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapists.The Journal of manual & manipulative therapySpinal manipulation and mobilisation should not be performed on infants or for non-musculoskeletal conditions like asthma or colic. For adolescents with neck or back pain, these techniques may be appropriate if combined with sound clinical reasoning.
• SLPOther2024Relationship between oral status, swallowing function, and nutritional risk in older people with and without Parkinson's disease.CoDASDysphagic older adults with Parkinson's disease had more thin-liquid residue, penetration and aspiration than dysphagic older adults without Parkinson's disease. They also had weaker tongue and cough, restricted oral intake and higher nutritional screening scores.
• SLPOther2024Pharyngeal phase of swallowing in post-stroke dysphagia: videoendoscopy and speech-language-hearing assessment.CoDASChronic stroke patients with swallowing complaints showed more tongue weakness, food left in the throat after swallowing, and food entering below the vocal folds than dysphagia patients without stroke, including with thickened liquids and solid food.
• SLPCohort2024Factors associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia in individuals with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19.CoDAS51.4% of hospitalized adults with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 had swallowing impairment. Older age and prone positioning stayed linked to it after accounting for other factors. Oxygen support and ICU care were less certain.
• SLPSystematic Review2024Aspiration pneumonia in nursing literature-a mapping review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesNursing papers link aspiration pneumonia mainly to dysphagia, poor oral health and tube feeding, but rarely study it directly. They describe team care and referrals, not proof that any intervention prevents pneumonia.
• SLPOther2024A swallowing and breastfeeding intervention programme for small and sick neonates embedded in kangaroo mother care.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsNo patient outcomes are reported. This paper describes a swallowing and breastfeeding programme for small and sick neonates in kangaroo mother care, so it cannot show that the programme works.
• SLPCase Report2025Approach to obtaining a swallow study in a five-year-old with a disability and significant procedural anxiety: A case report.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineA five-year-old with cerebral palsy and severe x-ray anxiety completed a swallow study after desensitization visits, gradual exposure to equipment and staff protective gear, and buspirone. The study allowed his diet to include moderately thickened liquids.
• SLPCohort2025Quantitative ultrasound of submental and masticatory muscles in children with cerebral palsy.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineUltrasound scans showed that muscles used for chewing and swallowing in children with cerebral palsy are structurally abnormal, appearing brighter on the scan. These changes were found even in children who eat and drink safely, suggesting the scan may detect subtle issues missed by standard observation.
• PTOTSLPRCT2024The effect and mechanism of motor imagery based on action observation treatment on dysphagia in Wallenberg Syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineAdding 14 days of motor imagery based on action observation to standard swallowing therapy improved overall swallowing function and quality of life in Wallenberg syndrome patients compared to standard therapy alone. However, it did not significantly reduce airway invasion or pharyngeal residue.
• OTSLPPilot2024Applying a Motivational Instructional Design Model to Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study on Occupational and Swallowing Therapies.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationStroke patients receiving a structured motivation-support process during OT or swallowing therapy plus usual physical and occupational therapy had no dropouts or adverse events. 84% were satisfied and 76% intended to continue. Outcome changes cannot be separated from usual therapy.
• SLPQualitative2024The Earlier, the Better? An In-Depth Interview Study on the Ethics of Early Detection with Parents of Children at an Elevated Likelihood for Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents described an autism diagnosis as a tool to justify changing their parenting and to gain recognition from others. They worried the label could also cause stereotyping. They suggested waiting for a 'timely' diagnosis rather than rushing for an early one.
• PTSLPCohort2024Lower peak expiratory flow rate is associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in patients with stroke.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineStroke patients with a peak expiratory flow below 60% of the expected value had a significantly higher risk of developing pneumonia during rehabilitation. This simple bedside breathing test, combined with swallowing assessment and age, helps identify patients who need closer respiratory monitoring.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Improved functional oral intake and exercise training attenuate decline in aerobic capacity following chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAerobic capacity and grip strength dropped significantly after chemoradiotherapy in esophageal cancer patients, with no recovery at 6-8 weeks. Patients who chose supervised exercise training had less decline. Improved swallowing function was strongly linked to better preserved aerobic capacity.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024The effects of rehabilitation potential on activities of daily living in patients with stroke in Taiwan: a prospective longitudinal study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineDaily living improved most before discharge, then flattened. Better swallowing, lower-limb strength and motivation, plus no incontinence or moderate cognitive impairment, were linked with higher daily living scores.
• OTSLPSurvey2024The characterization of feeding challenges in autistic children.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFeeding challenges in autistic children often start earlier than diagnosis. Caregiver reports show that early difficulties with transitions and ongoing diet restriction predict more severe sensory and behavioral feeding issues later, suggesting these are key markers for early intervention.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Validation of the Arabic Version of Feeding Handicap Index for Children with Developmental Disabilities (A-FHI-C).Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children with autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability reported significantly more severe feeding problems on the new Arabic Feeding Handicap Index than parents of typically developing children. The questionnaire showed strong consistency and stability, making it a reliable tool for assessing feeding impacts in Arabic-speaking families.
• SLPSystematic Review2025Methods of diagnosis and rehabilitation of dysphagia in patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineSwallowing assessment after spinal cord injury is varied, with bedside evaluation, a severity scale, a self-report questionnaire, and a moving x-ray swallowing study most common. Four rehabilitation protocols were reported, so no standard treatment protocol can be recommended.
• SLPPilot2024Assessing the Effect of Fatigue on Swallowing Function in Adults with Acute Stroke. A Pilot Study.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationIn 13 adults with acute stroke, repeated swallowing tests slowed pharyngeal transit and delay times but left oral timing and laryngeal closure unchanged. This suggests fatigue affects some reflexive swallowing steps more than others, though the sample was too small for firm conclusions.
• SLPOther2024Drooling may be Associated with Dysphagia Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis.DysphagiaMultiple sclerosis patients who drooled reported more swallowing symptoms. People with the most swallowing symptoms had 13.2 times higher drooling risk. This small study shows a link, not that swallowing problems cause drooling.
• SLPOther2024Maximum Anterior Tongue Strength and Maximum Lip Strength in Healthy Spanish Adults: A Proposal of Reference Values.DysphagiaIn healthy Spanish adults, tongue strength falls with age but does not differ by sex, while lip strength is higher in men and does not change with age. Use tongue reference values by age group and lip reference values by sex when interpreting IOPI scores.
• SLPOther2024Estimating the Incidence and Prevalence of Dysphagia in New Zealand.DysphagiaNew cases are projected to rise from 9,250 in 2020 to 24,500 in 2073, and total people living with dysphagia from 74,600 to 177,600. Most are projected to be aged 65 and over.
• SLPOther2024Pharyngeal Residue Scoring in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Reliability Comparison and Applicability Among Different Scales.DysphagiaThe Yale scale was the most reliable for scoring pharyngeal residue on FEES. The Boston scale was significantly slower and harder to use. The RORS was the easiest. Choose the Yale scale for a balance of accuracy and speed in routine practice.
• SLPCase Series2024Dysphagia in Open Partial Horizontal Laryngectomy Type IIa: Quantitative Analysis of Videofluoroscopy using the ASPEKT Method.DysphagiaTen patients after partial laryngectomy showed poor pharyngeal constriction and heavy residue in the pyriform sinuses, despite prolonged airway closure acting as a compensation. This highlights specific efficiency deficits for targeted therapy rather than general weakness.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2024Global State of the Art and Science of Childhood Dysphagia: Similarities and Disparities in Burden.DysphagiaThis review maps the rising burden of childhood dysphagia, noting it affects 2-4% of US children under 5 and up to 99% of those with cerebral palsy. It argues that care must be multidisciplinary and tailored to the whole child, not just the swallow.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2024Dysphagia Assessments as Criteria in the 'Decision-Making Process' for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement in People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.DysphagiaDysphagia is a common trigger for PEG placement in ALS, but the tools used to measure it vary widely across studies. There is no single agreed-upon assessment or threshold. Clinicians must rely on multidisciplinary judgment rather than a specific test score to decide when to insert a feeding tube.
• SLPOther2024Prevalence of Dysphagia and Risk of Malnutrition in Elderly Living in Nursing Homes.DysphagiaAbout one-third of screened nursing home residents had dysphagia, and one-fifth were at risk of malnutrition. However, self-reported swallowing problems did not correlate with objective screening scores, meaning residents often miss their own difficulties.
• SLPSurvey2024The Psychological Impacts of Pill Dysphagia: A Mixed Methods Study.DysphagiaAfter accounting for self-rated health, health conditions, and pill frequency, pill-swallowing difficulty did not predict wellbeing scores; older adults still described anxiety, choking fear, and disrupted routines.
• SLPOther2025Validity and Reliability of the Swedish Version of the Gugging Swallowing Screen for use in Acute Stroke Care.DysphagiaThe Swedish Gugging Swallowing Screen flagged 100% of patients with FEES-confirmed aspiration risk and 80.8% of patients with FEES-confirmed dysphagia. Nurses and SLPs agreed substantially when using it.
• SLPCohort2025Negative effects on oral motor function after submandibular and parotid botulinum neurotoxin A injections for drooling in children with developmental disabilities.Developmental medicine and child neurologyChildren receiving concurrent submandibular and parotid botulinum toxin A injections for drooling experienced negative oral motor effects at a similar frequency to those receiving submandibular injections alone. However, a higher proportion of these effects were classified as moderate rather than mild, requiring clinical management such as medication or feeding adjustments.
• SLPOther2025Characterizing the Validity of Using VASES to Derive DIGEST-FEES Grades.Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica : official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)Speech-language pathologists can use VASES ratings to derive DIGEST-FEES grades with almost perfect agreement to the original method. This saves time by avoiding double-rating swallows, though the grades are not identical and may shift slightly in severity.
• SLPCohort2024Prediction of Oral Intake at Discharge with Early Assessment of Swallowing Function within 24 h after Admission: A Retrospective Cohort Study.DysphagiaHigher early swallowing scores in acute stroke were associated with eating at discharge. The score cutoff for all patients was 136.5, and 124.5 was the cutoff for patients who were not independent at admission.
• SLPOther2025A Tool for the Assessment of Swallowing Safety and Efficiency in Adults: Turkish Adaptation of Boston Residue and Clearance Scale.DysphagiaFive speech therapists reliably scored residue locations on 102 videos of 25 stroke patients using the Turkish Boston Residue and Clearance Scale. The tool consistently identified residue in three areas: the laryngeal vestibule, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. It requires frame-by-frame review.
• SLPOther2024Swallowing Characteristics and Water Swallow Capacity in Patients with Parkinsonism.DysphagiaThin water caused aspiration in 39% of patients, versus 12% for thickened liquid and 2% for solids. Silent aspiration occurred in 28% of the cohort, often without coughing. Swallowing worsened with disease severity, not diagnosis subtype.
• SLPCohort2024Dysphagia Is an Underrecognized Risk Factor for Viral Pneumonia Severity.DysphagiaIn adults aged 50 years or older with symptomatic COVID-19, prior dysphagia was linked to more severe disease within 30 days (65.0% vs 41.3%). The link remained when age, obesity, and other risk factors were taken into account.
• SLPSurvey2024Prevalence of Self-Reported Swallowing Difficulties and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in India.DysphagiaIn Indian community-dwelling older adults, 36.6% self-reported swallowing difficulties and 47.4% reported reduced quality of life. Females reported significantly more difficulties than males. Common complaints were effort with solids, coughing, and food sticking.