Dysphagia Management: An Analysis of Patient Outcomes Using VitalStim™ Therapy Compared to Traditional Swallow Therapy

This study compares the outcomes using VitalStim™ therapy to outcomes using traditional swallowing therapy for deglutition disorders. Twenty-two patients had an initial and a followup videofluoroscopic swallowing study or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and were divided into an experimental group that received VitalStim treatments and a control group that received traditional swallowing therapy. Outcomes were analyzed for changes in oral and pharyngeal phase dysphagia severity, dietary consistency restrictions, and progression from nonoral to oral intake. Results of χ2 analysis showed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the experimental and control groups.