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Background: Studies suggest swallow intervention programmes that incorporate visual biofeedback and motor programming principles can improve swallowing and quality of life for people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and dysphagia. Few studies have examined outcomes using instrumentation. Aims: Using fibreoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES), this study examines the effectiveness of a neurorehabilitation intervention involving biofeedback via surface electromyography (sEMG) to improve swallowing in people with IPD, and to explore the feasibility of the intervention approach. Methods & Procedures: We recruited 12 participants with IPD and dysphagia. A total of 10 completed the study. Intervention was delivered for 1 h per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks (20 h). Swallowing tasks using sEMG biofeedback incorporated principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity. Instrumental and non‐instrumental assessment, including quality‐of‐life measures carried out at four different time points (two pre‐treatment and two post‐treatment). The final assessment was at 3 months post‐intervention. Outcome & Results: Statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in oral intake methods (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.70–5.50) and in pharyngeal residue from saliva (95% CI = 2.14–3.15) and solids (95% CI = 2.4–3.5) post‐intervention were confirmed using FEES with improvements at 3 months. The intervention protocol was well tolerated. Participants reported positive change in saliva control and duration of mealtimes as well as unanticipated improvements in voice and cognitive attention. Conclusions & Implications: An intensive neurorehabilitation with biofeedback shows positive effects in improving swallow function in IPD. This protocol is feasible with amendments to inform a larger clinical trial. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Biofeedback has positive effects on increasing swallowing function and quality of life in people with IPD and dysphagia. sEMG is the most common method used to deliver swallowing biofeedback in this population. The quality of the evidence on the intervention, based on findings from a recent systematic review, is low. Included studies in this review were heterogeneous in terms of type and frequency of biofeedback, study design and outcome measures. The majority of outcome measures were subjective and higher quality studies to examine the efficacy of biofeedback using sEMG are needed. What this study adds: Recognizing the limitations of earlier studies, this within‐subject feasibility study examined the efficacy and effectiveness of an intensive biofeedback intervention using sEMG in a sample of people with dysphagia and IPD. Valid and reliable outcome measures were used and repeated after a 3‐month period. The feasibility of the methodological approach was also tested and a qualitative component was included in the study. Positive findings were evident. Qualitative information added new perspectives and provided direction for new outcomes to be included in future studies. This study helps to inform further research trials as well as clinical practice. Clinical implications of this study: This intensive intervention using principles of neuroplasticity and motor programming with sEMG biofeedback led not only to positive swallowing outcomes but also to unexpected benefits such as improved voice production and general attention skills. No adverse events were reported. Improvement in function was retained at 3 months post‐intervention. Despite the small sample size, participants described the benefits of the treatment, and enjoyed sEMG biofeedback tasks, especially using an sEMG game mode. This suggests that intensive biofeedback not only improved swallowing but also was acceptable to these participants. This intensive protocol has merit and is worth considering further in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of high‐quality evidence to support specific treatment approaches has been widely documented in the existing literature, with evidence suggesting speech and language therapists (SLTs) frequently rely on experience and expert opinion to inform treatment. One approach that is commonly used within dysphagia management, in spite of a lack of existing evidence to support its efficacy, is the use of oral trials, otherwise known as swallow trials or tasters. This approach involves offering specified, limited amounts of oral diet or fluids for those at risk of aspiration or choking if full amounts are taken orally and may be recommended for rehabilitation or quality of life. Methods & Procedures: A total of nine SLTs working in one acute hospital volunteered to participate in focus groups in order to discuss their experience and clinical reasoning for using oral trials within one inpatient hospital setting in the UK. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore how oral trials are used within one inpatient hospital; (2) to consider the barriers and facilitators to the approach; and (3) to consider why this approach may be favoured over other evidenced dysphagia therapies. A grounded theory approach was used to guide data analysis, using two independent coders to identify themes within the focus groups. Outcomes & Results: Analysis of data revealed the following themes: (1) delivering oral trials requires 'a whole team approach'; (2) SLTs vary recommendations based on patient and environmental factors; and (3) oral trials as a holistic approach. Conclusions & Implications: The use of oral trials was considered by SLTs to be a holistic and flexible approach which can be adapted to a range of patient and environmental factors. Although clinical experience guided rationale, an understanding of the principles of neuroplasticity and swallow physiology was also integral to the approach. Further research is warranted to investigate the use and efficacy of oral trials across the SLT community and within specific patient groups and different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]