001 - Ed Bice, M.Ed., CCC-SLP - Dispelling the Fatigue Myth and How We Should NOT Sit and Watch Our Patients Eat

Summary: Today’s Swallow Your Pride guest is Ed Bice! Ed is one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable swallowologists out there. Somehow he is not a researcher, but he is so well-versed in the literature and is incredibly passionate about sharing the research with his colleagues. If I had to choose anyone to treat me or a family member with dysphagia, Ed would be at the top of my list. Ed is currently a clinical consultant with ACP Synchrony who provides sEMG biofeedback devices to clinicians to use with their patients during dysphagia therapy. The Synchrony program uses an electrical stimulation waveform to enhance muscle strength and coordination required for normal swallowing. In this episode, we dispel the myth that the swallow is subject to fatigue. Ed presents us with an incredible review of the muscle physiology, what exactly we can tell at the bedside, and why there is no value in sitting and watching your patient eat. Ed also discusses several of his favorite research articles that have helped to shape his practice today. Check out the show notes for this episode at www.swallowyourpridepodcast.com.