sEMG Biofeedback as an Adjunct in Dysphagia Therapy

Presented by Michael Crary

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Video Runtime: 120 Minutes; Learning Assessment Runtime: 23 Minutes

One of the most promising, yet under-utilized therapy techniques for the treatment of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia is sEMG biofeedback. Research has demonstrated that this form of therapy has been successfully employed in the swallowing rehabilitation of some patients with chronic dysphagia who have failed with more traditional therapy approaches. This course focuses on the strengths and weakness of sEMG biofeedback, the device and its application, and the principles of exercise physiology and learning that are critical to successful treatment. This course is presented with Dr. Groher.

For students interested in learning more about the future of swallowing evaluation and treatment, consider attending the Florida Dysphagia Institute 2.0 - a week long course featuring Dr. Michael Crary and Dr. Giselle Carnaby. The course takes place in Orlando, FL, and includes 32 Hours of CEUs with practical application, exhibitors and receptions. For more information visit the course WEBSITE or download the course BROCHURE.

Meet your instructor

Michael Crary

Dr. Michael Crary is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Director of Swallowing Research Laboratory at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL. Dr. Crary specializes in disorders of swallowing in adults. He has published and lectured extensively, including internationally on these…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Overview

1. Overview

In the first chapter of this course, Dr. Crary introduces and defines sEMG biofeedback. He discusses how sEMG biofeedback is used and how to evaluate sEMG biofeedback through timing and amplitude of myoelectric activity. The participant will be able to describe the application strengths and weaknesses of sEMG biofeedback

sEMG Biofeedback Training

2. sEMG Biofeedback Training

Dr. Crary continues his discussion of sEMG biofeedback, describing techniques for electrode placement, biofeedback specific assessments, and identification of treatment goals. The participant will learn concepts such as threshold and goal, one repetition max, and continuous mode versus work-rest mode biofeedback.

Dysphagia Therapy with sEMG

3. Dysphagia Therapy with sEMG

In chapter three, the participant will learn strategies for evaluating swallowing performance using sEMG. Dr. Crary will teach the participant to identify a threshold or goal for a specific patient and the appropriate application of continuous or work-rest modes. From there, the participant will learn to identify appropriate feedback options for individual patients. In addition, Dr. Michael Groher joins Dr. Crary to provide a demonstration of a portable sEMG unit.

Q&A

4. Q&A

Dr. Crary engages in a question and answer session with fellow speech-language pathologists Dr. Miller and Dr. Groher. They discuss topics such as the rehabilitation of brain stem stroke patients and the role of relaxation for hypertonic patients.