Overheard: Using Respiratory Muscle Strength Training in Dysphagia

The objective data comes from what you measure as an outcome. The device is the trainer. Again, use pressure threshold and then set out to measure the outcomes, a scale, a swallow exam, a cough flow rate, a voice quality, etc. Participant: How do you establish goals? There are norms for peak cough, is this what you use? Kiourkas: Respiratory uses cough peak flow to qualify for noninvasive ventilation for ALS and neuromuscular patients. The norms are different for each person. Suggested ranges are used as a guide to assist in determining if the patient is getting worse at subsequent visits. We also use a SNIP (sniffing pressure) when they are extremely weak as a trending tool. Participant: Would you recommend using RMST in the pediatric population? Kiourkas: I would. Children are very resourceful, they would learn quickly, and they would enjoy the improved ability to swallow. I do not know how well it could work under the age of 5. In the NICU, they would use CPAP or nasal prongs with end expiratory pressure.   Renee Kiourkas, MS, RRT, RPFT, is a respiratory care practitioner, Rush Pulmonary Function Lab, and adjunct faculty, Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Division of Respiratory Care Program, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. Renee_d_kiourkas@rush.edu Christine Sapienza, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the dean of The Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, and professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florid...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Academia & Research Health Care Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology Dysphagia dyspnea muscle strength skilled nursing facility Swallowing Disorders Source Type: blogs