Dysphagia
Rehabilitation
Laboratory
WHAT IS DYSPHAGIA?
The mission of the Dysphagia Rehabilitation Lab (DRL) is to develop sustainable and impactful interventions to improve swallow function for those with dysphagia.
Dysphagia is impaired or disordered swallowing, which may involve structures or muscle function of the oral cavity, pharynx, or esophagus. People with dysphagia experience difficulty with swallowing food or liquid, and may experience symptoms such as coughing, feeling as if things go down the “wrong pipe” and/or feeling things stick in their throat after they swallow. Dysphagia may result from a variety of medical conditions or may occur as the result of natural aging, called “presbyphagia”.
Those who experience dysphagia may be
at risk for other health complications such as malnutrition and dehydration, pulmonary disease, and increased morbidity and mortality. People with dysphagia often feel negative impacts on quality of life, as well, given that eating and drinking are pivotal activities to daily life and social engagement. Due to the diversity of medical diagnoses that result in dysphagia, treating swallowing impairments is challenging and highly dependent on each individual patient.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Dysphagia Rehabilitation Lab aims to investigate and improve current treatments available and explore alternative solutions to improve swallowing ability and quality of life for those with dysphagia.
ALTERNATIVE
SOLUTIONS
While there are treatments available for those with dysphagia, the best way to implement these therapies to maximize recovery of swallow function is not clear. A main focus of the Dysphagia Rehab Lab mission is to explore alternative ways to implement currently available treatments, and develop new interventions and tools to better facilitate rehabilitation of swallowing.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Impact of Lingual Endurance Exercise on Rehabilitation of Swallowing Impairments after Ischemic Stroke (NIH K01 Awarded)
Mealtime Consumption Impact on Isotonic Lingual Endurance - Collaborative Study with Movarian University and University of Nevada, Reno
Validation of DIGEST for use in Post-Stroke Populations - Collaborative Study with MD Anderson (DRS Poster 2024)
Ultrasound and Swallowing (NIH R21 Under Review)