Three out of four participants were able to have their percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEG) removed. Participants made quantitative improvements in their videofluoroscopic measures of timing and displacement. Therapy programs were well received with 100% compliance. Common physiological impairments across all patients were: reduced maximum hyoid displacement, reduced pharyngeal constriction and reduced pharyngoesophageal segment maximum opening. Results: Patients (63, 67 yr, 67 yr, 76 yr 3 male) had varying spinal diagnoses (2 traumatic, all involving the C-spine) and length of dysphagia (6 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 10 yr). Feeling and fatigue scale scores were taken before and after each therapy session. Outcome measures: Objective videofluoroscopic measures of timing and displacement and a validated self-reported questionnaire – the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) were taken pre-therapy, immediately post-therapy and EAT-10 was repeated at 3 months. Interventions: Four patients engaged in a 6-week (3×weekly) individualized progressive rehabilitation program. Setting: Spinal rehabilitation unit or patients’ homes. This study explored viability and outcomes of swallowing rehabilitation programs for four patients with persisting dysphagia.ĭesign: Prospective, quantitative experimental longitudinal case series. There are no published rehabilitation efficacy studies to date. Context/objective: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are well recognized after spinal injury.
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