Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Efficacy Of Electrical Stimulation Intervention In Treating Adults With Dysphagia: A Systematic Review, Virginia N. Cheng, Jenna N. Dalton, Kathryn R. Howrigan

Communication Sciences and Disorders: Systematic Review Publications

Purpose: Dysphagia is a term used for a swallowing disorder resulting from problems with the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or gastroesophageal junction. Dysphagia can have significant impacts on an individual’s quality of life and statistics suggest that nearly 15 million adults in the United States present with swallowing disorders. Common medical complications associated with dysphagia are malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and even death. Traditional dysphagia treatment (TDT) for adults currently consists of diet modification, compensatory strategies involving postural adjustments, and swallowing exercises to strengthen musculature. The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether electrical stimulation (ES) improves swallowing …