Archives

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Swallowing Function

June 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explains how repeated episodes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect a person’s swallow function. Video on how to use this resource: de Luccas, G. R., & Berretin-Felix, G. (2021). Swallowing disorders in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a critical literature review. Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 14(Spec 1), 79–85. Peppard, P. E., […]
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Effects of Comprehensive Swallowing Intervention on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dysphagia After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2022)

June 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
The gold standard for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but the number of people who actually utilize these machines can be low for a variety of reasons. For example, people who had a stroke may also be more sensitive to wearing the mask or have difficulty placing the mask with hemiplegia. Poststroke OSA […]
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Cough…Is it Strong Enough?

May 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explains the physiological process of a cough, how to measure cough strength, and why an adequate peak expiratory flow rate is important. Video on how to use this resource: Brennan, M., McDonnell, M.J., Duignan, N., Gargoum, F., & Rutherford, R.M. (2022). The use of cough peak flow in the assessment of respiratory function […]
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Using Backward Design in Dysphagia Management: A Paradigm Shift Toward More Culturally Responsive Care (2022)

May 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds may have disproportionate health literacy, understanding of medical information, and/or ease of communication with medical professionals. The U.S. Census defines people who are CLD as “individuals whose cultural values or ethnic background is distinct from mainstream society and individuals who belong to a home where a language […]
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The Use of Cough Peak Flow in the Assessment of Respiratory Function in Clinical Practice – A Narrative Literature Review (2022)

May 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Coughing may seem like a simple bodily function, but it’s a complex event that can be reflexive, voluntary, and volitional. The act of coughing is a three-part motor activity requiring inhalation, a forced expiratory effort against a closed glottis, immediately followed by the glottis opening suddenly with a rapid expiratory airflow to clear. A person […]
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Dysphagia and Parkinson’s Disease

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Swallowing problems are common for people with Parkinson’s disease. However, it is underreported in the early stages. This handout explains the swallowing symptoms people with Parkinson’s disease can experience. Video on how to use this resource: Kalf, J. G., De Swart, B. J. M., Bloem, B. R., & Munneke, M. (2012). Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia […]
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Comparing a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study and Esophagram

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
A Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) and esophagram are helpful tools for evaluating a person’s swallowing function. This handout explains the similarities and differences to help determine which one may be more appropriate. Video on how to use this resource:
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Characterizing Quality of Life in Caregivers of People with Parkinson’s Disease and Dysphagia (2021)

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Over recent years, caregiver burnout has become a topic of discussion with the aging population and their increasing life expectancy with chronic diseases. The priority of healthcare has been to manage the person’s chronic disease while trying to live safely at home with a good QOL.  However, this burden of care often falls on caregivers […]
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Emergency Preparedness with a Disability

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout covers different elements of being prepared for emergency situations given changes due to the new onset of a condition for a caregiver and/or patient. Video on how to use this resource:
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