Table 2 Study design
Inclusion | n = 150 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Stratified randomization | n = 50 Control group | n = 50 App group | n = 50 Therapist group |
Therapy schedule | • 5x/week (30–40 min) | • 5x/week (30–40 min) | • 5x/week (30–40 min) |
• 4 weeks | • 4 weeks | • 4 weeks | |
• Home practice | • Home practice but app-supported | • Therapist supervised | |
Exercises | • TSE | • TSE | • TSE |
• CTAR | • CTAR | • CTAR | |
• Effortful swallow | • Effortful swallow | • Effortful swallow | |
Adherence measurements | |||
• Supervision | No (home practice) | No (home practice – app) | Yes (face-to-face therapy) |
• Counseling | Counseling 1x/week by SLP (10′) | Counseling 1x/week by SLP (10′) & continuous counseling via app | Counseling by SLP 5x/week |
• Feedback on performance | Yes – instrumental | Yes – instrumental | Yes – instrumental & by SLP |
• Clear and repeated instructions | • Introduction session • Written instructions | • Introduction session • Instructions via app: animation videos | • Each session by the SLP |
• Target setting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
• Limited duration | Yes – first 4 weeks of CRT | Yes – first 4 weeks of CRT | Yes – first 4 weeks of CRT |