Kangaroo Stimulation Game in Tracheostomized Intensive Care-Related Dysphagia: Interventional Feasibility Study.

Background: Dysphagia is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Using surface electromyography (sEMG) signals as biofeedback training exercises might offer a promising path to improving swallowing function. The Rephagia biofeedback system uses sEMG to assess muscle strength, stamina, and timing of the swallowing action.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Rephagia system in ICU patients with dysphagia.

Methods: This feasibility study included patients admitted to a 14-bed mixed medical-surgical ICU. All patients underwent a new tracheostomy placement during ICU stay due to persistent aspiration and ICU-acquired weakness, accompanied by verified dysphagia. Following Rephagia training, patients completed a questionnaire assessing comprehension, satisfaction, and motivation. Swallowing characteristics were assessed via mean sEMG peak values during exercise.

Results: Twenty patients with a mean age of 69.4 (SD 8.2) years were included. The means of sEMG values at the beginning of a measurement were not significantly different at baseline versus everyone's last measurement (52 µV [23 µV] vs 57 µV [22 µV]; P=.50). The means of sEMG values obtained at the end of a measurement were not significantly different at baseline versus everyone's last measurement (56 µV [18 µV] vs 59 µV [23 µV]; P=.62). However, dysphagia improved in all patients. Patients understood the importance of the game in relation to their swallowing problems (16/80, 89%), which kept them motivated to participate in the training sessions (9/18, 50%).

Conclusions: The Rephagia biofeedback system for stimulating swallowing actions in tracheotomized ICU patients with dysphagia is feasible. No relation was found between clinical improvement in swallowing function and sEMG signals.