The effects of a mobile healthcare application on speech and swallowing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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By
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Yeongju Cho
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Sun Young Won
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Hyanghee Kim
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Hye Kyoung Lee
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Sung-Rae Cho
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May 15, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Impact of a Mobile Health Application on Speech and Swallowing Abilities in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) |
| Key Mechanisms | Degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. |
| Target Population | Patients diagnosed with ALS experiencing dysarthria and dysphagia. |
| Care Setting | Home-based intervention with remote monitoring. |
Key Highlights
- ALS affects voluntary muscle movements, leading to speech and swallowing difficulties.
- The ASSET program includes structured exercises for swallowing improvement.
- Research on speech and swallowing interventions in ALS is limited.
- The study involved 13 ALS patients, focusing on the effectiveness of a mobile health application.
- Participants engaged in an 8-week self-practice program with weekly online check-ins.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of ALS with signs of dysarthria and dysphagia.
Management
- Utilization of the ASSET program for speech and swallowing rehabilitation.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Weekly remote monitoring of app use and adherence.
Risks
- Potential for malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia due to dysphagia.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults diagnosed with ALS, average age 64.61 years.
The ASSET program combines effortful swallow and Mendelsohn maneuver exercises.
Clinical Best Practices
- Encourage self-directed therapeutic approaches for managing swallowing difficulties.
- Implement structured exercise programs for speech and swallowing rehabilitation.
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