Reframe and Discover if Motor Observation & Imagery of Swallowing Movements Improves Patient Outcomes?

Could the use of motor observation and motor imagery of swallowing movements be effective in improving patient outcomes in dysphagia rehabilitation? A review of neurophysiological and neurobehavioral literature supports the use of motor imagery and observation of motor movements as an effective cognitive therapeutic strategy to increase and enhance physical rehabilitation. A literature review by Robbins et al revealed, “All aspects of oropharyngeal swallowing have been found to be modifiable with varying sensory input.” A principal goal in dysphagia rehabilitation is to create improvements in strength, duration, and timeliness of swallowing through active exercises and maneuvers which foster neuroplasticity to maintain neuro musculature systems involved in swallowing.