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How the ACT-ING Program Can Transform Dysphagia Management in Older Adults

How the ACT-ING Program Can Transform Dysphagia Management in Older Adults

As a practitioner, it's essential to stay updated with the latest research and methodologies to provide the best care for your patients. One promising development in the field of dysphagia management is the ACT-ING program, an activity-based intervention designed to improve ingestive functions in older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). This blog post delves into the early feasibility of this program and how you can implement its findings to enhance your practice.

Understanding the ACT-ING Program

The ACT-ING program, developed by Hansen et al., is a 12-week intervention that combines strength and skill-based training to improve swallowing physiology. The program focuses on coordination, timing, and the progressive strengthening of swallowing muscles through eating and drinking activities.

Key Components of the ACT-ING Program:

Early Feasibility Results

The study aimed to determine the early feasibility of the ACT-ING program by focusing on functionality, usability, and acceptability. Here are some key findings:

Implementing the ACT-ING Program in Your Practice

Based on the study's findings, the ACT-ING program shows promise in improving swallowing functions in older adults with slight to moderate OD. Here are some steps you can take to implement this program in your practice:

  1. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the intervention manual and the principles of the ACT-ING program.
  2. Training: Ensure that you and your team are trained in delivering the intervention, focusing on effortful swallowing techniques and task-specific exercises.
  3. Customization: Tailor the program to each patient's needs, considering their level of OD severity and overall health condition.
  4. Monitor Progress: Use tools like the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) to track patient progress.
  5. Feedback: Regularly collect feedback from patients to refine and improve the intervention.

Encouraging Further Research

While the early feasibility of the ACT-ING program is promising, more research is needed to optimize the intervention's duration, frequency, and overall effectiveness. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in further studies and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in dysphagia management.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Early Feasibility of an Activity-Based Intervention for Improving Ingestive Functions in Older Adults with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.


Citation: Hansen, T., Laursen, L. B., & Hansen, M. S. (2023). Early Feasibility of an Activity-Based Intervention for Improving Ingestive Functions in Older Adults with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia. Geriatrics, 8(2), 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics8020044
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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