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Instrumental Assessment Of Aero-Resistive Expiratory Muscle Strength Rehabilitation Devices, Angela M. Dietsch, Rahul Krishnamurthy, Kelsey Young, Steven M. Barlow

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is increasingly being used to treat voice, cough, and swallowing deficits in a wide range of conditions. However, a multitude of aero-resistive EMST models are commercially available, and the ab-sence of side-by-side comparative data interferes with clinicians’ ability to assess which model is best suited to a particular client’s needs. The primary aim of this research was to test and compare the pressure and flow parameters of six currently available EMST models to help inform clinical decision making.

Method

We identified and tested five devices of each of six different EMST models to generate …

Predictors Of Swallowing Outcomes In Patients With Combat-Injury Related Dysphagia, Nancy Pearl Solomon, Angela M. Dietsch, Katie Dietrich-Burns

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Background: Traumatic injuries, such as those from combat-related activities, can lead to complicated clinical presentations that may include dysphagia. Methods: This retrospective observational database study captured dysphagia-related information for 215 US military service members admitted to the first stateside military treatment facility after sustaining combat-related or combat-like traumatic injuries. A multidimensional relational database was developed to document the nature, course, and management for dysphagia in this unique population and to explore variables predictive of swallowing recovery using Bayesian statistical modeling and inferential statistical methods. Results: Bayesian statistical modeling revealed the importance of maxillofacial fractures and soft tissue loss as primary …