As a speech-language pathologist, you understand the importance of data-driven decisions in achieving the best outcomes for your clients. A recent study titled Implementation of a Home-Based mHealth App Intervention Program With Human Mediation for Swallowing Tongue Pressure Strengthening Exercises in Older Adults: Longitudinal Observational Study offers valuable insights that could enhance your practice, particularly when working with older adults experiencing swallowing difficulties.
The study explored the effects of an 8-week home-based mHealth app intervention, combined with biweekly human mediation, aimed at improving swallowing tongue pressure in older adults. The intervention included three therapeutic maneuvers: effortful prolonged swallowing, effortful pitch glide, and effortful tongue rotation. Here's a breakdown of the key findings and how you can apply them in your practice:
Key Findings
- Significant Increase in Swallowing Tongue Pressure: Participants who adhered to the program showed a median increase from 17.5 kPa to 26.5 kPa in swallowing tongue pressure.
- Short-Term Gains: The intervention demonstrated immediate benefits, but the long-term maintenance of these gains was not observed at 12 weeks post-intervention.
- High Adherence Rates: 8 out of 11 participants adhered to the program, thanks to the combination of mHealth technology and biweekly human mediation.
Practical Applications
Here's how you can leverage these findings to improve your practice:
- Incorporate mHealth Solutions: Utilize mHealth apps to deliver therapy sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for clients with limited access to in-person services.
- Combine Techniques: Implement a combination of effortful prolonged swallowing, effortful pitch glide, and effortful tongue rotation to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
- Monitor Adherence: Regular check-ins, either biweekly or through digital means, can significantly improve adherence and outcomes.
- Evaluate Long-Term Effects: Consider follow-up sessions to assess and reinforce the long-term benefits of the intervention.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study shows promising results, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal dosage of such interventions. You can contribute to this growing body of knowledge by implementing these techniques and documenting your outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Implementation of a Home-Based mHealth App Intervention Program With Human Mediation for Swallowing Tongue Pressure Strengthening Exercises in Older Adults: Longitudinal Observational Study.
