This research study is investigating the efficacy and implementation of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST), standard of care dysphagia treatment, and intensive dysphagia treatment in critically ill adults in the acute care setting. Currently, no targeted, effective, and feasible dysphagia treatment approaches currently exist for use in critically ill adults in the acute care setting. The current study will investigate the impact of EMST, standard of care dysphagia treatment, and intensive dysphagia treatment on pulmonary function, cough function, swallow function, frailty, patient-reported swallow function, and health outcomes in critically ill adults. This study will also examine patient perceptions and clinical speech-language pathologists' perceptions of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of these interventions. Critically ill adults will: undergo tests of breathing, cough, and swallow function, complete questionnaires about the treatment, and their swallow function, and complete their respective treatment as prescribed. Clinical speech-language pathologists will complete questionnaires about the interventions. A subset of critically ill adults and clinical speech-language pathologists will also have the opportunity to participate in focus groups.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity Scale (DIGEST) Grades
Timeframe: pre-treatment (baseline), and post-treatment prior to hospital discharge, assessed up to 2 weeks
Change in Penetration Aspiration Scale Scores
Timeframe: pre-treatment (baseline), and post-treatment prior to hospital discharge, assessed up to 2 weeks