TOPIC

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 5 OF 15 · NEWEST FIRST

• SLPSystematic Review2021The Effect of Cranial Nerve Stimulation on Swallowing: A Systematic Review.DysphagiaCranial nerve stimulation cannot be recommended for swallowing problems. Evidence came only from tiny, low-quality studies; some showed aspiration or worse swallowing during vagal nerve stimulation, while tiny recurrent laryngeal nerve series reported less aspiration.
• SLPCase-Control2021Pharyngeal Swallowing Pressures in Patients with Radiation-Associated Dysphagia.DysphagiaPatients with radiation-associated dysphagia had weaker and shorter-lasting pharyngeal muscle contractions than healthy controls. This suggests poor bolus clearance and higher aspiration risk, but the study was too small to prove a specific treatment effect.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Tracking Hyoid Bone Displacement During Swallowing Without Videofluoroscopy Using Machine Learning of Vibratory Signals.DysphagiaA neck sensor and machine learning located about half of the hyoid bone's position on each video frame during swallowing. It could also distinguish reduced from normal hyoid movement. This is a promising non-invasive screening tool, but it is not yet accurate enough to replace imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
• SLPPilot2021Pilot Study of Quantitative Methods for Differentiating Pharyngeal Swallowing Mechanics by Dysphagia Etiology.DysphagiaBoth kinematic analysis and CASM distinguished swallowing mechanics across four dysphagia etiologies. However, the study was a pilot with too few subjects to draw generalizable conclusions about clinical outcomes.
• SLPPilot2021Surface Electromyographic Biofeedback and the Effortful Swallow Exercise for Stroke-Related Dysphagia and in Healthy Ageing.DysphagiaAcute stroke participants could raise swallowing muscle activity during effortful swallows, and a screen showing muscle activity raised it further. Most said the screen helped and would use it regularly. This measured muscle activity, not whether swallowing improved.
• SLPSurvey2021The Landscape of Videofluoroscopy in the UK: A Web-Based Survey.DysphagiaUK speech therapists often do not know the technical settings of their own videofluoroscopy clinics. Many use lower frame rates than recommended, and half do not use standardised assessment protocols, which risks inaccurate diagnosis of swallowing problems.
• SLPSystematic Review2020A Systematic Review of Tracheostomy Modifications and Swallowing in Adults.DysphagiaSwallowing outcomes after tracheostomy modifications are highly variable. Cuff deflation improved some physiology measures, but speaking valves and occlusion showed inconsistent results. Evidence is inconclusive, so do not expect a specific modification to reliably improve safety or function.
• SLPCohort2021Zenker's Diverticulum: Can Protocolised Measurements with Barium SWALLOW Predict Severity and Treatment Outcomes? The "Zen-Rad" Study.DysphagiaIn 67 patients with Zenker's diverticulum treated by endoscopic division, durable remission after one procedure occurred in 64.2%. Some barium measurements were associated with success only before adjusting for age, sex and prior surgery.
• SLPNarrative Review2021Moving Forward with Dysphagia Care: Implementing Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.DysphagiaThis paper offers clinical guidelines and algorithms for performing swallowing assessments safely during the pandemic. It does not report original patient data or outcomes, so there are no findings here to change clinical practice.
• SLPNarrative Review2021Dysphagia Care Across the Continuum: A Multidisciplinary Dysphagia Research Society Taskforce Report of Service-Delivery During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.DysphagiaExpert consensus says many dysphagia procedures can spread respiratory viruses. Use enhanced PPE, defer aerosol-generating tests if PPE is unavailable, screen by trained nurses, and use telehealth only with safeguards. No controlled trials show increased provider infection.
• SLPCase-Control2020Mechanisms of Impaired Swallowing on Thin Liquids Following Radiation Treatment for Oropharyngeal Cancer.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRSwallowing safety after radiation depends on how quickly the airway closes. Patients who aspirated took significantly longer to close their laryngeal vestibule than those who did not. Incomplete closure was also strongly linked to aspiration, but overall residue levels did not differ significantly from healthy controls.
• SLPOther2021Effect of Bridge Position Swallow on Esophageal Motility in Healthy Individuals Using High-Resolution Manometry.DysphagiaSwallowing in a bridge position produced stronger lower esophageal contractions and shorter contraction-wave breaks than upright in healthy people. It may suggest an esophageal-phase technique, but patient outcomes were not tested.
• SLPOther2021Comparison of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Brazilian Children with Prenatal Exposure to Zika Virus, With and Without Microcephaly.DysphagiaClinical swallowing assessment found oropharyngeal dysphagia in 79.3% of children with Zika-related microcephaly and 8.6% of Zika-exposed children without microcephaly. Caregiver reports matched the assessment closely.
• SLPOther2021Influence of Acid Swallows on the Dynamics of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter.DysphagiaSwallowing very acidic water (pH 1.8) prolonged the time for the upper esophageal sphincter to return to rest, averaging 12.67 seconds, versus 8.69 seconds for neutral water. pH 3 and pH 5 did not show this change in healthy volunteers.
• SLPOther2021A Preliminary Investigation of Whether HRCA Signals Can Differentiate Between Swallows from Healthy People and Swallows from People with Neurodegenerative Diseases.DysphagiaHRCA neck sensors, statistical methods, and machine learning correctly sorted 99% of thin liquid swallows from people with neurodegenerative diseases and healthy adults. This preliminary work did not explain which swallowing problem caused the difference.
• SLPCase Series2021Heterogeneous Presentations of Pharyngoesophageal Diverticula Occurring after Cervical Spine Surgery.DysphagiaIn 13 patients with swallowing difficulty after cervical spine surgery, diverticula often hid exposed hardware or perforation. A staged approach removing hardware and repairing the defect, followed by endoscopic cutting of the pouch wall, resolved dysphagia in all cases.
• SLPSurvey2020Nurses' knowledge of stroke-related oropharyngeal dysphagia in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsNurses in South Africa showed moderate knowledge of stroke-related swallowing issues but held dangerous misconceptions. Most believed patients always cough when aspirating, missing silent aspiration risks. They also poorly identified complications like pneumonia and appropriate management strategies, highlighting a critical need for targeted training.
• SLPOther2021How Closely do Machine Ratings of Duration of UES Opening During Videofluoroscopy Approximate Clinician Ratings Using Temporal Kinematic Analyses and the MBSImP?DysphagiaHigh-resolution cervical auscultation signals processed by machine learning detected the timing of upper esophageal sphincter opening within a 3-frame human error tolerance for 82.6% of patient swallows. The system also classified sphincter opening as normal or impaired with 85.7% accuracy compared to clinical ratings.
• SLPOther2021The Influence of Airflow Via High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Duration of Laryngeal Vestibule Closure.DysphagiaIn healthy young adults, higher airflow from a high-flow nasal cannula significantly increased the time the airway remained closed during swallowing. No aspiration occurred at any airflow level, and airway protection scores remained stable despite the change in closure duration.
• SLPSurvey2021Five Specific Tongue Movements in a Healthy Population.DysphagiaMost healthy adults can roll their tongue (83.7%), but few can make a cloverleaf (14.7%). People accurately judge these two abilities. However, they frequently overestimate their capacity to fold or twist the tongue. This suggests rolling and cloverleaf are reliable self-reported measures, unlike folding or twisting.
• SLPSurvey2020Perceived barriers to compliance with speech-language therapist dysphagia recommendations of South African nurses.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsNurses reported time constraints (93%) and staff shortages (91%) as the biggest barriers to following dysphagia recommendations. Many also lacked familiarity with SLT terminology (72%) and training (72%). These workplace and knowledge gaps hinder compliance.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2020Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Swallowing Physiology and Function in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRStable COPD patients showed no aspiration but had poor airway closure timing and weak pharyngeal muscle squeeze. Thickened liquids caused significant residue in this group, meaning texture modification requires careful evaluation rather than automatic prescription.
• SLPQualitative2020'A blender without the lid on': Mealtime experiences of caregivers with a child with autism spectrum disorder in South Africa.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsCaregivers prioritise family connection over food variety. Most struggle with children refusing to sit at the table, not just picky eating. Financial stress from cooking two meals and social isolation due to lack of support are major burdens. Interventions should target seating and family routine, not just food acceptance.
• SLPCohort2021Variations in Hyoid Kinematics Across Liquid Consistencies in Healthy Swallowing.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRHyoid movement timing, position, and speed do not change across liquid consistencies or thickener types in healthy adults. Clinicians should not attribute variations in these kinematic measures to the texture of the bolus itself.
• SLPOther2020A retrospective review of speech-language therapy services provided to adult inpatients at a central-level hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsSwallowing disorder was the most common speech-language problem among 2549 adult hospital inpatients who received speech-language therapy, followed by aphasia and dysarthria. 44.68% had more than one speech-language diagnosis, and 39.98% required further treatment after discharge.
• SLPQualitative2020The use of diet modifications and third-party disability in adult dysphagia: The unforeseen burden of caregivers in an economically developing country.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsCaregivers of adults with dysphagia in South Africa described financial strain, fear, and cultural conflict as major burdens. Family support and state disability grants were key facilitators. Access to thickeners and equipment varied by hospital.
• OTSLPRCT2021Clinical effectiveness of the sequential 4-channel NMES compared with that of the conventional 2-channel NMES for the treatment of dysphagia in a prospective double-blind randomized controlled study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSequential 4-channel electrical stimulation improved swallowing scores and reduced aspiration more effectively than conventional 2-channel stimulation in stroke patients. Both groups received standard swallowing exercises, so the benefit cannot be attributed to the electrical device alone.
• SLPNarrative Review2021Dysphagia Phenotypes in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Past, Present, and Promise for the Future.American journal of speech-language pathologyUntreated SMA Type I causes rapid swallowing failure, with all infants needing feeding support by 12 months. In milder SMA, chewing and choking with solids track current mobility. Disease-modifying therapy swallowing evidence remains limited and mixed.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Dysphagia in cervical spinal cord injury: How international literature trends can guide South African practice patterns - A scoping review.The South African journal of physiotherapyDysphagia is common in cervical spinal cord injury, often transient but risky due to respiratory compromise. Tracheostomy and ventilation are key markers. In South Africa, speech therapists are scarce, so nurses and physiotherapists should screen for swallowing issues early to prevent pneumonia.
• SLPQualitative2021Decision making and the bedside assessment: The Speech Language Therapists' thinking when making a diagnosis at the bed.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsSeven South African speech therapists relied on 'gut feelings' and experience to diagnose swallowing issues at the bedside. Adding oxygen and sound monitoring to standard checks gave them more data and confidence. They often trusted their own assessment over inaccurate nursing notes.
• SLPQualitative2021It's crunch time: Exploring the sensibility of food textural acoustics for individuals with dysphagia.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsExperts and literature suggest the sound of chewing is a neglected part of the eating experience. For patients with dysphagia, modifying food texture often removes these acoustic cues, potentially reducing enjoyment. The authors propose considering sound when designing safer diets.
• SLPCase-Control2021The Frequency of Atypical and Extreme Values for Pharyngeal Phase Swallowing Measures in Mild Parkinson Disease Compared to Healthy Aging.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRPeople with mild Parkinson disease showed no more swallowing impairments than healthy older adults. Both groups had similar rates of slow swallowing and residue. Differences found favored compensation, not deficit. Small sample size means these results are preliminary.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2021Emerging Role of Ultrasound in Dysphagia Assessment and Intervention: A Narrative Review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesUltrasound shows promise for bedside dysphagia screening, measuring hyoid movement and guiding injections. However, diagnostic accuracy varies widely, and no standard protocols exist. Use it only as a supplementary tool, not a replacement for formal swallowing assessments.
• SLPOther2021Pathogenic oral bacteria in hospitalised patients with dysphagia: The silent epidemic.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsIn 40 hospitalised patients with dysphagia, 62.5% carried bacteria not normally found in the mouth and all had oral hygiene problems; worse swallowing scores were linked to more pathogenic bacteria. Check oral care during dysphagia management.
• SLPSystematic Review2021Contextualising clinical reasoning within the clinical swallow evaluation: A scoping review and expert consultation.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsClinical reasoning in swallow assessments is driven more by experience than training. Experts argue that rigid protocols fail in low-resource settings, requiring flexible, context-aware decision-making to adapt to patient needs and limited equipment.
• SLPPilot2022A single-case experimental design investigation of collaborative goal setting practices in hospital-based speech-language pathologists when provided supports to use motivational interviewing and goal attainment scaling.Neuropsychological rehabilitationTraining, an app, and debriefing that supported motivational interviewing and goal attainment scaling increased clinicians' collaborative interviewing and goal scale quality. Adherence improved for two of three clinicians.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Predictors of nasogastric tube removal in patients with stroke and dysphagia.International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptationA four-item model using admission Barthel score, lip closure, ability to answer simple questions, and pre-stroke independence predicted nasogastric tube removal. A score above the cutoff had 85.45% sensitivity and 73.44% positive predictive value for returning to oral feeding.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Rehabilitation in Acute COVID-19 Patients: A Japanese Retrospective, Observational, Multi-Institutional Survey.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationMost mild and severe patients recovered walking and swallowing independently without rehabilitation. Critical patients had higher rates of persistent disability. Rehabilitation was provided to only 13% of patients, often delayed or suspended due to PPE shortages and staff concerns, though no therapists were infected.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Dysphagia Characteristics of Patients Post SARS-CoV-2 During Inpatient Rehabilitation.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationLonger intubation increases the odds of airway invasion during swallowing, with each extra day raising the odds by 15%. Clinical bedside swallow exams often miss silent aspiration. Instrumental assessments like VFSS are needed to safely guide diet upgrades in post-COVID inpatient rehabilitation.
• SLPSurvey2022Speech and Language Practitioners' Experiences of Commercially Available Voice-Assisted Technology: Web-Based Survey Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesOf 230 surveyed UK speech and language therapists, 181 had not used commercial voice assistants with clients, but 166 of those wanted to try them and 198 wanted training. Therapists who had used them reported speech feedback, independence and confidence, not evidence they improve speech.
• SLPCohort2022Swallowing Function in COVID-19 Patients After Invasive Mechanical Ventilation.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationAt bedside after ventilation, 20 of 28 patients had swallowing dysfunction, but 9 reached unrestricted oral intake by discharge; at follow-up, 2 patients reported some dysphagia.
• SLPCohort2022Features of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Patients With Dysphonia.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice FoundationSelf-reported voice change occurred in 188 of 702 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, affecting 26.8%. It was more common in women and smokers, and patients with voice change reported more severe cough, swallowing difficulty, and pain.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Identifying Concomitant Health Conditions in Individuals With Chronic Voice Problems.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice FoundationAdults reporting a swallowing problem were nearly twice as likely to have chronic voice issues. Those with physical activity limitations were 1.7 times as likely. Respiratory and hormonal problems showed no significant link. Consider earlier laryngoscopy referral for patients with these specific comorbidities.
• SLPCohort2021Swallowing Assessment in Parkinson's Disease: Patient and Investigator Reported Outcome Measures are not Aligned.DysphagiaPatient-reported swallowing quality of life and instrumental findings from FEES or VFS showed only moderate agreement in Parkinson's disease. Clinicians should not assume instrumental severity matches patient distress, as some patients with poor objective function reported high quality of life.
• SLPOther2022Implementation of Telemedicine in a Laryngology Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned, Experiences Shared.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation
• SLPNarrative Review2021Terapia de voz en el contexto de la pandemia covid-19; recomendaciones para la práctica clínica.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice FoundationThis paper offers safety and practice guidelines for voice therapy during the pandemic, based on expert consensus rather than new patient data. It outlines risk levels for procedures and telepractice options, but reports no outcomes to change clinical practice.
• SLPCohort2021Ischemic Lesion Location Based on the ASPECT Score for Risk Assessment of Neurogenic Dysphagia.DysphagiaIn acute stroke, damage to the left lentiform nucleus and insula strongly predicted swallowing problems. These patients had a high risk of dysphagia regardless of standard screening scores, suggesting they should be referred immediately for instrumental assessment.
• SLPNarrative Review2021Terapia Vocal No Contexto Da Pandemia Do Covid-19; Orientações Para A Prática Clínica.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice FoundationVoice therapy carries high aerosol transmission risk. Telepractice is recommended to protect clinicians. If in-person care is essential, N95 masks and strict protocols are required. Voice therapy is not urgent; weigh risks before treating in person.
• SLPNarrative Review2021Voice Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidelines for Clinical Practice.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice FoundationVoice therapy is classified as a high-risk aerosol-generating procedure. Clinicians should prioritize telepractice to minimize exposure, use N95 respirators and barriers for any in-person assessment, and limit face-to-face interactions to under 15 minutes.
• SLPCohort2021Abnormalities of Aspiration and Swallowing Function in Survivors of Acute Respiratory Failure.DysphagiaOne in three ICU survivors aspirated on swallowing tests. Reduced pharyngeal squeeze and upper airway swelling were the strongest independent predictors. Clinicians should assess these specific physiological and structural markers, not just general weakness, when evaluating post-extubation dysphagia.