Exercise Science in Speech-Language Pathology: What, How, Why?

Foundations of muscle structure and function

• 0-5 min – Personal introduction, disclosures, objectives of the program.
• 5-30min – Introduction and overview of the integration of respiration, swallowing, and verbal communication.
• 30-55 min – Neuromuscular anatomy and physiology of muscles of breathing, coughing, eating, swallowing, speaking.
• 55-80 min – Neural and anatomical changes across the lifespan in the upper aerodigestive tract:  Effects on functional performance.
• 80-105 min – Foundational principles of neuroplasticity
• 105-120 minutes Q&A

What is exercise?

• 120-140 min – Exercise treatment vs. simple activity
• 140-160 min – Defining the goal:  Strength, skill, speed?
• 160-180 min – Neuromuscular response to conditioning and deconditioning
• 180-200 min – Adaptative movements vs. maladaptive movements
• 200-210 min – Motor Learning
• 210-225 min – General principles of initiation, intensity, and purpose
• 225-240 min- Q&A

Exercise:  What and When?

• 0-25 min – Application of the exercises we all know
• 25-65 min – Tools of the trade: Technology and devices in dysphagia rehabilitation
• 65-105 min – Considering context:  Exercise (or not) with various diagnoses
• 105-120-minute Q&A

Consider the continuum from evaluation to end-goal

• 120-145 min – Evaluation methods to guide treatment
• 145-170 min – Consider patient support, motivation, or other limitations
• 170-185 min – Shared goal setting
• 185-195 min – Compliance
• 195- 210 min – Ethical considerations and cost-benefit of treatment regimens.
• 210-225 min – Documenting and measuring progress.
• 225-240-minute – Q&A