scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional, Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Swallowing Physiology and Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley A. Waito ◽  
Emily K. Plowman ◽  
Carly E. A. Barbon ◽  
Melanie Peladeau-Pigeon ◽  
Lauren Tabor-Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Reference Data ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Thickened Liquids ◽  
Or Efficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pharyngeal Residue ◽  
Pharyngeal Area ◽  
Swallow Physiology ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Purpose To date, research characterizing swallowing changes in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has primarily relied on subjective descriptions. Thus, the degree to which swallowing physiology is altered in ALS, and relationships between such alterations and swallow safety and/or efficiency are not well characterized. This study provides a quantitative representation of swallow physiology, safety, and efficiency in a sample of individuals with ALS, to estimate the degree of difference in comparison to published healthy reference data and identify parameters that pose risk to swallow safety and efficiency. Secondary analyses explored the therapeutic effect of thickened liquids on swallowing safety and efficiency. Method Nineteen adults with a diagnosis of probable-definite ALS (El-Escorial Criteria–Revised) underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, involving up to 15 sips of barium liquid (20% w/v), ranging in thickness from thin to extremely thick. Blinded frame-by-frame videofluoroscopy analysis yielded the following measures: Penetration–Aspiration Scale, number of swallows per bolus, amount of pharyngeal residue, degree of laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC), time-to-LVC, duration of LVC (LVCdur), pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, diameter of upper esophageal sphincter opening, and duration of UES opening (UESOdur). Measures of swallow physiology obtained from thin liquid trials were compared against published healthy reference data using unpaired t tests, chi-squared tests, and Cohen’s d effect sizes (adjusted p < .008). Preliminary relationships between parameters of swallowing physiology, safety, and efficiency were explored using nonparametric Cochrane’s Q, Friedman’s test, and generalized estimating equations ( p < .05). Results Compared to healthy reference data, this sample of individuals with ALS displayed a higher proportion of swallows with partial or incomplete LVC (24% vs. < 1%), increased time-to-LVC ( d = 1.09), reduced UESwidth ( d = 0.59), enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, prolonged LVCdur ( d = 0.64), and prolonged UESOdur ( d = 1.34). Unsafe swallowing (i.e., PAS ≥ 3) occurred more frequently when LVC was partial/incomplete or time-to-LVC was prolonged. Pharyngeal residue was associated with larger pharyngeal areas at maximum constriction. Unsafe swallowing occurred less frequently with extremely thick liquids, compared to thin liquids. No significant differences in pharyngeal residue were observed based on liquid thickness. Conclusions Quantitative videofluoroscopic measurements revealed moderate-to-large differences in swallow physiology between this sample of individuals with ALS and healthy reference data. Increased time-to-LVC, noncomplete LVC, and enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction were associated with impaired swallow safety or efficiency. Thickened liquids may mitigate the risk of acute episodes of aspiration in individuals with ALS. Further work is needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and explore how swallowing profiles evolve throughout disease progression.

scholarly journals How Loan Bank of Assistive Technology Impacts on Life of Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Collaborative Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 763
Author(s):  
Thais Pousada ◽  
Jessica Garabal-Barbeira ◽  
Cristina Martínez ◽  
Betania Groba ◽  
Laura Nieto-Riveiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

(1) Background: The study is focused on the implementation of outcome measurement tools to assess the impact of an assistive device from a loan bank in the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The secondary purpose is to analyse the correct matching between the person and technology, derived from the counselling of an occupational therapist. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample was formed by 28 people with rare neurodegenerative disorders. A specific questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS), and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) tool were applied to collect the data. (3) Results: The dimension of the PIADS with the best score was competence, and the variations according to gender were not remarkable. The three dimensions of the PIADS (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem) were correlated positively between them and with the mean score of the MPT tool (p < 0.01). The type of assistive technology (AT), diagnosis, and correct match between person–technology are the main factors that condition a positive impact. (4) Conclusions: The results noted the importance of assessing the needs, demands, and contexts of people with rare neurodegenerative diseases to prescribe the best AT. Loan banks of AT have to be considered a valid service that complements their lack in public health services.

scholarly journals Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Knowledge among University Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal ◽  
Salah-Ud-Din Khan ◽  
Eldowaik Mohamed Salah Saad ◽  
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Social Science ◽  
University Students ◽  
Healthcare Provider ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of ALS among students in a university in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study was performed among the students of three different healthcare provider faculties (Medical, Pharmacy and Dental) in a university with the help of pre-validated research questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 24.0 was used to analyze and present the data. Results: A total of 268 university students from three faculties participated in the current study. The medical faculty students and final year students had more appropriate knowledge towards the ALS. Conclusion: Overall appropriate knowledge was observed among the studied faculty students. The present study concluded that medical students had adequate knowledge of ALS than the other two faculty students.

scholarly journals The Use of Integrative Therapies in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Shanghai, China

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidong Pan ◽  
Xiangjun Chen ◽  
Jie Bao ◽  
Yu Bai ◽  
Hua Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Chinese Herb ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
It Use ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Integrative Therapies ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Objective. To investigate the current use of integrative therapies (IT) in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods. A cross-sectional, multicenter clinical epidemiological survey was conducted in 12 hospitals in Shanghai. We investigated the type and frequency of IT use and determined whether the use of IT correlated with demographic, social, or disease-specific characteristics in our patient population.Results. A total of 231 (89.5%) of 258 patients with ALS were eligible for the study and 229 (99% of all) of 231 reported the use of at least one IT for the treatment of ALS. Vitamins and Chinese herb decoctions, Chinese herb compounds, massage therapy, and acupuncture were the 5 most commonly used therapies. There was a strong association between education level, income, and use of IT. A household income of more than 75,000 RMB ($49,995) correlated with multiple IT use, and married patients used IT more often than single individuals. The main reasons for using IT were to treat weakness and fatigue, muscle atrophy, the development of ALS, depression, insomnia, limb pain or numbness, and side effects associated with Riluzole.Conclusion. The use of IT is common in patients with ALS in Shanghai. Vitamins and TCM are the most used additional therapies and the widespread and largely unexamined use of IT for ALS requires more attention.

scholarly journals Profile of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Across Continuum of Care

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vahe Kehyayan ◽  
Lawrence Korngut ◽  
Nathalie Jetté ◽  
John P. Hirdes
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Home Care Nursing ◽  
Als Patients ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Objective:This study describes the socio-demographic and clinical profile of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in home care, nursing homes and complex continuing care settings in several Canadian jurisdictions.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using available Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI 2.0 and RAI Home Care) national databases from 1996- 2011. The profile of ALS patients was compared with patients without pre-specified neurological conditions.Results:There were 2,092 ALS patients identified in these settings. Persons with ALS were more likely than those in the comparison group to suffer from health instability (25.4%) and minor to major depressive symptoms (27.2%) , to experience falls (44.0%) and weight loss (22.9%), to require extensive assistance in activities of daily living (54.9%), and to receive rehabilitation services: physical (23.9%), speech language pathology (8.9%), and occupational therapy 43.3%).Conclusions:The ALS population in this study are greatly affected by a number of health issues. They are more likely than the comparison group to require therapies, medical interventions, and psychotropic drug use. While persons with ALS have a poor prognosis, a great deal could be done to enhance their quality of life and the quality of care they receive.

P-NU005. Nerve cross-sectional area as a surrogate marker of peripheral nerve degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 132 (8) ◽  
pp. e118
Author(s):  
Toh Tsun Haw ◽  
Nur Adilah Abdul Aziz ◽  
Mohd Azly Yahaya ◽  
Ee Chin Loh ◽  
David Capelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Nerve Degeneration ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Relationship between Pain and Functional Status in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 588-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natsuko Ishida ◽  
Shuya Hongo ◽  
Ayaka Kumano ◽  
Hiroyuki Hatta ◽  
Nobuyuki Zakoji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

scholarly journals Psychological flexibility and attitudes toward evidence-based interventions by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6527
Author(s):  
James R. Pearlman ◽  
Einar B. Thorsteinsson
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Endoscopic Gastrostomy ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Objective Declining a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often contrary to advice provided by health-care-professionals guided by evidence-based principles. This study proposes relational frame theory (RFT) to offer a viable explanation of this phenomenon. Design A total of 35 people (14 female, 21 male) aged between 34 and 73 years, with ALS, participated in this cross-sectional research. Main outcome measures This research examined the predictive power and interaction effect of psychological flexibility (the fundamental construct of RFT) and psychological well-being on attitudes toward intervention options. Results Participants with high psychological flexibility reported lower depression, anxiety, and stress, and higher quality of life. In addition, psychological flexibility was predictive of a participant’s understanding and acceptance of a PEG as an intervention option. Psychological flexibility was not found to be a significant predictor of understanding and acceptance of NIV. Conclusion Although the criterion measure had not been piloted or validated outside of the current study and asks about expected rather than actual acceptance, findings suggest that applied RFT may be helpful for clients with ALS.

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