Clinical Evidence

Dysphagia following stroke leads to aspiration4

Dysphagia is a leading predictor of aspiration pneumonia6


Dysphagia leads to aspiration pneumonia, which is a major cause of hospital readmissions.1

  • Accounts for 13% to 48% of all infections in nursing home residents.5
  • Second most common type of nosocomial infection in hospitalized patients.5
  • Overall mortality rate ranges from 20% to 50% with rates as high as 80% reported.5

Lingual strengthening for improved health and quality of life

Lingual strengthening reduces penetration-aspiration scale scores in stroke patients with dysphagia and improves swallowing safety7

  • Increased isometric pressure
  • Increased maximum swallowing pressure
  • Increased swallowing safety



Lingual strengthening improves outcomes for head and neck cancer patients8-10

  • Diet maintenance improves over the long term8
  • Lingual strengthening before chemoradiation improves swallowing function9
  • Patients who complete swallowing therapy are less likely to worsen their diet or receive a feeding tube10

Improved quality of life7

  • Greater happiness and social engagement
  • Decreased swallowing burden
  • Elevated energy level

References