Fitness for swallowing
Speech therapy for swallowing disorders in adults with intellectual disability through biofeedback: does it work?

Swallowing disorders are common in adults with intellectual disability. It is
estimated that more than eight percent of all adults with intellectual
disabilities are dealing with swallowing difficulties. Swallowingproblems are
more common within the 24-hour care for people with intellectual disabilities.
Recent research showed that almost 50% of adults in such a setting are dealing
with swallowing problems. These problems range from mild to very severe.
Swallowing problems affect the enjoyment of food and drinking. Treatment
options for swallowing problems these people are minimal. Following such
therapy requires the patient insight into their own actions, the ability to
follow instructions and practice independently and maintain skills. Experiences
with biofeedback are positive and can help to learn the correct swallowing
techniques.
For some time the SilverFit Rephagia program is available. The program uses
visual exercises on a computer screen. This research has the primary goal to
examine how the SilverFit Rephagia program is an appropriate training for
adults with intellectual disabilities

Primary purpose: study the feasibility of a new treatment option based on
biofeedback in people with intellectual disabilities.
Secondary purpose: explore effects of treatment for swallowing problems in
people with intellectual disabilities.

It concerns a feasibility study on the use of training to a new audience.
Because especially looks at whether the study is suitable, and in addition, it
is expected for the control group in terms of enhanced zero, there is no use is
made of a control group.
For insights to provide for whom the training is and is not appropriate and how
to act any effects of the training, we are using a multiple case study.

Training on the basis of biofeedback where serious gaming is combined with
sensory information from the swallowing activities. The intention is to achieve
improvement in timing, strength and coordination of the swallowing process.
Participants follow a speech therapy with SilverFit Rephagia for 6 weeks with a
frequency of twice a week.

The risks to participants are small. There is a small risk in choking, therfore
not larger than in regular life of the participant.
It is possible that the participant has to do with skin irritation caused by
the pad, which is stuck on the neck and throat.
The training takes less than half an hour per session.
The expectation is improvement of swallowing skills of the participants who
follow the training.
Because of the expected improvement of the swallowing skills, there will be a
reduction of the severity of dysphagia. So it makes the skills needed for
eating and drinking better and a decreasing chance of choking.