Muscle Strengthening Approaches to Dysphagia Rehabilitation

Purpose of review: This review defines the concept of muscle strength, presents currently used muscle strengthening approaches for treatment of dysphagia, and discusses research findings in this context. We also emphasize the importance of understanding mechanisms of muscular change to allow refinement of existing strengthening methods, improved treatment approaches, optimal treatment doses, and maintenance programs grounded in scientific evidence. Recent findings: Approaches to rehabilitation of dysphagia (swallowing disorders) have traditionally involved compensatory maneuvers to improve safety and efficiency of the swallow. Beyond compensation for deficits, recent rehabilitative methods include muscle strengthening techniques that vary in targeted swallowing-related muscles targeted and specifics of the regimen. Summary: Given the inherent plasticity of skeletal muscles, including muscles active during swallowing, exercise may have a key role in dysphagia rehabilitation as these treatments are optimized in ongoing research. We conclude that multisite randomized controlled trials are needed to clearly establish efficacy of these regimens and to allow individualization of treatment programs. © 2016, Springer Science + Business Media New York.