Evaluating Anterior and Posterior Oral Tongue Contributions to Pressure Generation: A Comparison Between Regular and Effortful Saliva Swallows.

PURPOSE: This study determined the contributions of the anterior and posterior tongue regions in tongue pressure generation during regular saliva swallows (SSs) and effortful swallows (ESs) completed under two different instructions. The association between tongue pressure and perceived effort to swallow was also examined. METHOD: Forty healthy adults without swallowing disorders participated in this study, divided into two age groups: 20 younger (Mage = 21.95 years, SD = 4.43) and 20 older (Mage = 70.10 years, SD = 4.30). Simultaneous data acquisition involved submental surface electromyography, tongue manometry, and a visual analog scale across swallowing conditions (SS, ES with tongue emphasis, and ES with pharyngeal squeezing). The main outcome measures were tongue pressure during swallowing and perceived effort to swallow. RESULTS: Overall tongue pressure during ESs with tongue emphasis and with pharyngeal squeezing was greater than that during SSs (R2 = .78, p < .001). Moreover, tongue pressure during the ES with tongue emphasis was greater than that during the ES with pharyngeal squeezing (t = 25.63, p < .001). The posterior tongue region generated more pressure during SSs (R2 = .64, p < .001) and the ES with tongue emphasis (R2 = .55, p < .001) than the anterior tongue. Finally, a positive correlation was found between perceived effort and tongue pressure during swallowing (r = .75, 95% CI [0.72, 0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Tongue pressure generation was affected by the type of instruction used to elicit ESs, and the posterior tongue showed relatively greater pressure contributions than the anterior tongue for ESs with tongue emphasis and SSs. Furthermore, age-related declines in pressure generation during swallowing were not evidenced in this study, underscoring the ability of healthy older individuals to appropriately modulate lingual pressure during ESs. Last, our results showed that the visual analog scale is a simple tool for rating swallowing effort during ESs, supporting its potential clinical use to train ESs.

Surface Electromyographic Activity of the Masseter Muscle During Regular and Effortful Saliva Swallows: A Preliminary Study.

Biofeedback is a critical component in motor learning of new, complex behaviors such as modifications to swallowing. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a commonly employed biofeedback tool in swallowing management to assess muscle activity patterns, determine amplitude and duration of swallowing, and train swallowing strategies such as the effortful swallow (EFS) maneuver. The EFS can potentially change multiple physiological components of the swallowing process such as pressure generation and movement of biomechanical structures. The purposes of this study were to determine whether the masseter muscle could differentiate a normal swallow (NS) from an EFS and whether there was a relationship between perceived muscle effort used to swallow and objective measures of muscle activity. Twenty healthy young adults participated in this study. Masseter sEMG peak amplitude and duration were measured across five regular saliva swallows and five effortful saliva swallows. Additionally, participants rated their perceived swallowing effort using a visual analog scale (VAS). Two swallowing conditions, NSs and EFSs were compared with hierarchical models, and repeated measures correlation was used to determine the relationships between the VAS and sEMG peak amplitude. Participants produced swallows with greater masseter sEMG peak amplitude and duration during the EFS. Moreover, a positive correlation was identified between perceived swallowing effort and masseter sEMG peak amplitude. These findings support the potential use of the masseter muscle to differentiate NSs from EFSs and implement the VAS during therapy for tracking patients' performance, particularly in settings with limited access to sEMG.

Hyolaryngeal Movement During Normal and Effortful Swallows Determined During Ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: This study investigated (a) the effects of the effortful swallow under two different instructions (tongue emphasis vs. pharyngeal squeezing) on hyoid displacement and hyoid-larynx approximation, (b) the association between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallowing and the effortful swallow produced with tongue emphasis, and (c) age-related differences in hyolaryngeal movement during normal and effortful swallows (tongue emphasis vs. pharyngeal squeezing) in healthy individuals. METHOD: Forty healthy adults (20 younger and 20 older) swallowed their saliva as they normally do (normal swallow) and performed the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis and pharyngeal squeezing. Tongue-to-palate pressure during swallowing was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, hyolaryngeal movement was measured using ultrasonography, and submental surface electromyography was used to track swallows. RESULTS: Results revealed differences in hyolaryngeal movement across swallowing types. Both types of effortful swallows showed greater hyolaryngeal movement than normal swallows. Additionally, hyolaryngeal movement was greater during the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis than the effortful swallow with pharyngeal squeezing. Age-related differences were found only in hyoid-larynx approximation during the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis (younger > older adults). Furthermore, moderate positive correlations were identified between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallows and the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that varying instructions of the effortful swallow affect hyolaryngeal movement differently, suggesting that clinicians may need to individualize the effortful swallow instruction according to the physiological impairments of each patient. Additionally, natural age-related changes in swallowing physiology do not seem to affect an individual's ability to perform the effortful swallow or to impact hyolaryngeal movement. Finally, the association between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallows and the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis suggests that the tongue plays a critical role in swallowing, priming subsequent swallowing events.

Brazilian Portuguese Adaptation and Validation of the Language Screening Test for Poststroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of standardized assessment tools for poststroke aphasia in Brazil, particularly bedside screenings for early identification of patients with suspected language disorders. The Language Screening Test (LAST) is a valid and reliable method for screening hospitalized patients following a stroke. This tool was first developed in French and then translated and validated in other languages. PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the LAST into Brazilian Portuguese. METHOD: Following a systematic, multistep approach to translation and cultural adaptation of language instruments, this study developed the two parallel versions of the Brazilian Portuguese LAST (pLAST) Versions A and B. The final versions were applied to 70 healthy and 30 poststroke adults across age and educational levels. Subtests of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) were used to assess the external validity of the pLAST. RESULTS: Findings showed that the two versions (A and B) of the pLAST were equivalent (intraclass correlation coefficient = .91; p < .001). No floor or ceiling effects were observed, and internal validity was excellent (Cronbach's α = .85). Moreover, its external validity against the BDAE was moderate to strong. Test sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 and 1, respectively, and accuracy was 0.96. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the LAST is a valid, simple, easy, and rapid test to screen poststroke aphasia in hospital settings. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23548911.

A Systematic Review of the Physiological Effects of the Effortful Swallow Maneuver in Adults With Normal and Disordered Swallowing.

Purpose This systematic review summarizes the biomechanical and functional effects of the effortful swallow in adults with and without dysphagia, highlighting clinical implications and future research needs. Specifically, the effects of the effortful swallow on swallowing physiology, safety, and efficiency were identified, as well as the strengths and limitations of current research. Method Recommendations specified by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. A literature search of three databases and relevant articles cited in the searched studies was performed. Two evaluators independently analyzed the studies for eligibility criteria, and final inclusion of studies was decided by consensus. Evaluators also assessed each study for quality of evidence. Results Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review. Main findings indicated that the effortful swallow generated greater pressures in the tongue-to-palate, pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter, and esophageal regions. Inconsistent results for hyolaryngeal excursion were reported, as well as for swallowing function. Instructions of the effortful swallow varied greatly across studies. Two of the 23 studies were judged to be of high quality, and the remaining studies were of medium quality based on the quality indicators of this review. Conclusions Biomechanical effects of the effortful swallow included increased pressures in the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal regions. Future investigations should address the effects of the effortful swallow in individuals with dysphagia and its potential role as a rehabilitative maneuver. Moreover, standardization of the effortful swallow instructions based on its physiological and functional effects is essential.

Functionally navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to evoke lingual pressure in stroke survivors with dysphagia and healthy adults: a proof of concept trial.

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is characterized by reduced corticolingual excitability and lingual pressure; however, it remains unknown if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) directly facilitates lingual pressure generation.Objectives: To explore optimal procedures for single pulse TMS using neuronavigation to evoke lingual pressure in intact and disrupted neural networks.Methods: Using co-registered functional magnetic resonance imaging, stimulation sites were determined for five healthy adults (Mage = 67) and four stroke survivors with dysphagia and reduced tongue strength (Mage = 66). Evoked lingual pressures were sampled across 45-65% of maximum stimulator output. Healthy participants repeated TMS with a bite block to isolate lingual pressure from off-target stimulation of mandibular elevators.Results: Only one functionally-guided stimulation site fell within previously reported optimal lateral (8-11cm) and anterior (2-4.25cm) coordinates. Lingual pressure was stable prior to pulse and increased linearly with intensity for both groups (p = .005). Post-stroke active motor thresholds were elevated compared to healthy adults (p = .025). Lingual pressure latency remained stable across intensities (p > .05). Jaw stabilization via bite block reduced the mean magnitude of evoked lingual pressure by approximately 16%.Conclusions: Single pulse TMS directly evokes higher lingual pressure and can define motor thresholds in intact and disordered corticolingual pathways. Stimulation sites using neuronavigation in healthy adults and stroke survivors largely differed from external coordinates in the literature that were predominantly established in young adults. Procedures to investigate motor thresholds for lingual pressure generation are proposed. The therapeutic role of TMS to address post-stroke deficits in lingual pressure and corticolingual excitability warrants continued investigation.

Predictors of pneumonia in acute stroke in patients in an emergency unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with the development of pneumonia in patients with acute stroke. To determine the independent predictors of pneumonia. METHOD: Retrospective study from July to December 2011. We reviewed all medical charts with diagnosis of stroke. RESULTS: 159 patients (18-90 years) were admitted. Prevalence of pneumonia was 32%. Pneumonia was more frequent in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 4.36; 95%CI: 1.9-10.01, p < 0.001), higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.047) and, lower Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) (p < 0.0001). Patients with pneumonia had longer hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified NIHSS as an independent predictor of pneumonia (95%CI: 1.049-1.246, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Pneumonia was associated with severity and type of stroke and length of hospital stay. The severity of the deficit as evaluated by the NIHSS was shown to be the only independent risk factor for pneumonia in acute stroke patients.

Predictors of pneumonia in acute stroke in patients in an emergency unit / Preditores de pneumonia em pacientes com AVC isquêmico numa unidade de emergência

Objective To evaluate the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with the development of pneumonia in patients with acute stroke. To determine the independent predictors of pneumonia. Method Retrospective study from July to December 2011. We reviewed all medical charts with diagnosis of stroke. Results 159 patients (18-90 years) were admitted. Prevalence of pneumonia was 32%. Pneumonia was more frequent in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 4.36; 95%CI: 1.9-10.01, p < 0.001), higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.047) and, lower Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) (p < 0.0001). Patients with pneumonia had longer hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified NIHSS as an independent predictor of pneumonia (95%CI: 1.049-1.246, p = 0.002). Conclusion Pneumonia was associated with severity and type of stroke and length of hospital stay. The severity of the deficit as evaluated by the NIHSS was shown to be the only independent risk factor for pneumonia in acute stroke patients. .

Objetivo Avaliar os fatores de risco e as comorbidades associadas ao desenvolvimento de pneumonia em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) agudo. Determinar os preditores independentes de pneumonia. Método Estudo retrospectivo, realizado entre julho e dezembro de 2011. Foi revisado todos os prontuários dos pacientes com diagnóstico de AVC. Resultados 159 pacientes (18-90 anos) foram admitidos. A incidência de pneumonia foi de 32%. A incidência de pneumonia foi maior em pacientes com AVC hemorrágico (OR: 4,36; IC95%: 1,9-10,01, p < 0,001) e em pessoas com escore alto National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0,047) e escores mais baixos da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG) (p < 0,0001). Os pacientes com pneumonia tiveram maior tempo de internação (p < 0,0001). A análise de regressão logística identificou apenas o NIHSS como um preditor independente de pneumonia (IC95%: 1,049-1,246, p = 0,002). Conclusão O diagnóstico de pneumonia foi associado a tipo e gravidade do AVC e com tempo de hospitalização. A gravidade do déficit, avaliada pela escala NIHSS mostrou ser o único fator de risco independente para pneumonia em pacientes com AVC agudo. .

Mudanças na formação em Saúde: o portfólio como prática inovadora na Graduação em Fonoaudiologia / Changes in health education: the portfolio as an innovative practice in undergraduate speech therapy

Este artigo aborda o portfólio como instrumento reflexivo de ensino-aprendizagem, tendo em vista o incremento de metodologias ativas e a implementação de práticas processuais/qualitativas na formação em saúde voltada ao Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Tal prática foi implantada em uma das disciplinas do Curso de Fonoaudiologia por quatro anos consecutivos. Trata-se de proposta inovadora nesse curso e no cenário nacional. Foram analisados os portfólios da primeira turma em que a proposta foi introduzida e colhidos depoimentos desses alunos (n= 24) acerca desse processo. Os resultados mostram a contribuição do portfólio na formação como uma metodologia que propicia uma participação mais ativa dos sujeitos. A maioria pontuou impressões positivas do mesmo como instrumento reflexivo e de expressão de idéias. O portfólio se evidencia como relevante ferramenta nas práticas educativas para uma formação integral e humanizada em Saúde.

This paper aims to study the portfolio as a reflexive instrument of teaching-learning, regarding the increment of active methodologies and the implementation of procedural/qualitative practices, in health professional education focused on Unified Health System-SUS. Such practice was introduced in the Speech-Language Pathology course for four consecutive years. It is an innovative approach both on the level of the present course and on national level. The portfolios from the first group of students in which the portfolio was introduced were analyzed, and 24 written reports about this process were collected. The results show the contribution of the portfolio as a methodology that provides a more active participation of the subjects. Most students indicated positive impressions of the portfolio as a reflexive instrument that enabled them to express their ideas. The portfolio is shown to be a relevant tool in educational practices for health and humanized professional development.

Este artículo aborda el portafolio como instrumento reflexivo de enseñanza-aprendizaje, teniendo en vista el incremento de metodologías activas y la implementación de prácticas procesuales/cualitativas en la formación en salud dirigida al Sistema Único de Salud-SUS. Esa práctica fue implementada en una disciplina del Curso de Fonoaudiología durante cuatro años consecutivos. Se trata de propuesta innovadora en ese curso y en el escenario nacional. Fueron analizados los portafolios del primer grupo de alumnos en que esa propuesta fue introducida y se tomaron testimonios de eses alumnos (n= 24) sobre ese proceso. Los resultados muestran la contribución del portafolio para la formación como una metodología que permite una participación más activa de los alumnos. La mayoría expresó impresiones positivas del portafolio como instrumento reflexivo y de expresión de ideas. El portafolio se muestra una herramienta relevante en las prácticas educativas para una formación integral y humanizada en la salud.