Feasibility and Impact of Resistance Training for Sarcopenic Dysphagia

Feasibility and Impact of an Activity-based Intervention for Strengthening Ingestive Functions in Elders With Sarcopenic Dysphagia: a Multiple-case Study

The purpose of the study is to test and optimize the feasibility of an activity-based resistance training program for patients with sarcopenic dysphagia. The study is a feasibility study designed as a multiple-case study with quantitative and qualitative data sources related to a number of feasibility outcomes and clinical outcomes during and after the intervention. Participants are 15 patients> 65 years of age are referred for dysphagia assessment by an Occupational Therapist (patients may be admitted to several different wards (endocrinology, pulmonary medicine, infectious medicine, gastrology). The intervention is offered during hospitalization and after discharge for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Speaks and understand Danish language, and able to provide written informed consent for participation
• Dysphagia verified by a Gugging Swallowing Screen
• Generalized sarcopenia determined by a Danish version of the questionnaire SARC-F
• Sarcopenia of the swallowing mechanism indicated by reduced tongue strength measured with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dysphagia related to the esophagus
• Psychiatric diagnosis
• Neurodegenerative disease or
• Needs palliative care
• Admitted to hospital from a nursing home.