Finding New Approaches to Dysphagia Rehabilitation
Carol Easterling (left) with a volunteer subject
For more than 10 years, Caryn Easterling, assistant professor in the UWM College of Health Sciences Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has been involved in research studying the changes in swallowing function with advancing age, the influence of disease, and unique rehabilitation techniques.
Easterling recently established a collaborative research program with Joan Arvedson and Dorie Mendell at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW). The focus of the collaboration is to study the effects of therapy techniques in the treatment of pediatric dysphagia, as well as the application of biomechanical measurement techniques, traditionally used in analysis of adult swallowing and swallowing disorders, to pediatric swallowing.
Swallowing is a complex, spontaneous process that incorporates more than 50 pairs of muscles to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Swallowing disorder–or dysphagia–is a serious condition that makes it difficult to consume adequate calories and fluids to nourish the body for healing and growth.
The larynx and pharynx in the human throat.
Usually a result of medical conditions or structural or congenital abnormalities, children and adults who experience dysphagia have difficulty swallowing liquids, foods or even their saliva. Radiographic and endoscopic imaging is used to evaluate the physiologic changes in swallowing, and to design appropriate treatment and management programs. Treatment for dysphagia may involve changes in food consistency, postural maneuvers and exercises to strengthen oropharyngeal muscles or to improve coordination.
With colleagues at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Easterling will be conducting longitudinal research to study the changes that occur in speech, voice and swallow function in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and determine the optimal treatment/management protocol. In collaboration with Veterans Administration experts, she is producing an educational DVD with examples of acquired language disorders in adult stroke patients.
Together, these researchers will uncover solutions for children and adults living with dysphagia.
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URL: http://www.uwm.edu/News/Features/06.06/Dysphagia_Rehabilitation.html
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