loading page

Dysphagia Rehabilitation Interventions in Moderate-Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
  • +4
  • Brooke Benton,
  • Amanda McIntyre,
  • Magdalena Mirkowski,
  • Pavlina Faltynek,
  • Stephanie Muise,
  • Nalia Cecilia Gurgel-Juarez,
  • Robert Teasell
Brooke Benton
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile
Amanda McIntyre
Parkwood Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Magdalena Mirkowski
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile
Pavlina Faltynek
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile
Stephanie Muise
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile
Nalia Cecilia Gurgel-Juarez
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile
Robert Teasell
Parkwood Hospital
Author Profile

Abstract

Objectives: To conduct a scoping review of the available literature and identify existing interventions for dysphagia rehabilitation among individuals with moderate to severe ABI during the acute and chronic phases of recovery. Design: Scoping review involving a literature search of multiple databases for studies published in English up to July 2018. Inclusion criteria: (1) moderate-severe ABI, (2) participants aged 18+ years, and (3) a dysphagia rehabilitation intervention was provided. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool was used to determine methodological quality. Results: 17 studies met inclusion criteria; nine of which had <50% ABI participants, four had >50% ABI, and four did not specify ABI percentage. Twelve studies were published between 2012-2018, and five were published between 1990-2007. Fifteen journal articles and two conference abstracts met inclusion. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, two level 1b evidence, two level 2 evidence, and one was of unknown quality. Four prospective controlled trials (PCTs) provided level 2 evidence. Three post-test and three pre-post studies provided level 4 evidence, and two case reports provided level 5 evidence. Nine different interventions were investigated, with electrical stimulation, individualized management programs, and diet manipulation being the most common. Eleven unique outcome measures were used overall, which crossed several domains. Conclusions: The literature investigating dysphagia rehabilitation interventions for ABI, the vast majority of which are traumatic brain injury is limited, with wide variability in intervention type, study design, injury etiology, and outcome assessment across studies. There remains an important evidence gap for ABI dysphagia rehabilitation.