A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in the Field of Dysphagia Rehabilitation

We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of oropharyngeal swallowing interventions conducted between years 2010 and 2013. A systematic literature search of RCTs was conducted using databases MEDLINE (PubMed), PsychInfo, Google Scholar, EBSCO, PROQUEST, Web of Science, and grey literature. Data were abstracted from all eligible studies by the first author and independently assessed by two raters using the Van Tulder scale. A total of 15 RCTs of behavioral swallowing therapy were included for evaluation. Significant heterogeneity between experimental studies was noted. Only 33 % (5) of studies included met the quality criterion identified by the van Tulder scale for high study rigor. Data supporting swallowing rehabilitation methods with adult dysphagic patients is advancing. Although studies intervention approaches remain diverse, the use of RCT designs is increasing with noted improvements in control methods. More research is needed to ascertain the most optimal intervention methodology for dysphagia rehabilitation.