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Course Description

This introductory level course for Speech-Language Pathologists will focus on the neurophysiological principles of oral motor exercise, as well as introduce the Abilex Oral Exerciser to improve motor speech and swallowing function. The Abilex device and protocol allow for repeatable and challenging resistance training exercise during treatment and at home to facilitate functional improvements. Clinical rationales for use with various patient populations including those with Dysphagia, Oral Apraxia, and Dysarthria due to Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Facial palsy will be presented in detail. Opportunities to discuss current research, sample documentation, home exercise compliance, and patient education will also be provided in this course to offer SLP's a new and innovative treatment option for patients.

Disclosure: This presentation will focus exclusively on the Abilex Oral-Motor Exerciser and will not include information on other similar or related products.

Course Requirements:
  • Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
  • Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
  • An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
  • A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
  • ASHA CEUs may be requested, within the course window, by answering "Yes" to the "Report to ASHA" question.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Verbalize the key neurophysiological and practical principles relevant to the use of Oral-Motor Exercise in the treatment of motor speech and swallowing disorders.
  • Summarize the key findings of recent publications on the topic of exercise in related motor speech and swallowing treatment.
  • Summarize the key findings of recent publications on the topic of exercise in related motor speech and swallowing treatment.
  • Demonstrate the correct treatment protocol for the Abilex Oral Exerciser in the treatment of motor speech and swallowing impairments.
  • Verbalize the clinical rationale for use of the Abilex Oral Exerciser and other devices in the treatment of Dysarthria, Oral Apraxia, and Dysphagia.

Gina Gallo

M.S. CCC-SLP, NDC

Gina E. Gallo was educated at the University of Rhode Island where she received her B.S. in Communication Disorders and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Gina has worked as a medical Speech-Language Pathologist since 1998 across various levels of care, concentrating in swallowing and voice disorders. She is a Certified VitalStim Instructor and uses Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in her clinical practice at Spaulding Outpatient Center. Gina recently became one of the first SLPs to earn the NDC credential (NMES for Dysphagia Certified). She has worked extensively with patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and previously served on Head and Neck Tumor Board at Rhode Island Hospital. She has also served as a guest lecturer for the Southern New England Rehab Center annual conference, and as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Rhode Island in the area of Voice Disorders.

Financial Disclosure: Gina receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. She also receives royalties for the purchase of her recorded course(s)
Non-Financial Disclosure: Gina uses VitalStim Therapy in her practice.

10 Minutes
Neurophysiological Principles of oral-motor exercises
10 Minutes
Discuss current oral-motor exercise research related to Motor Speech and Dysphagia treatment
20 Minutes
Introduce the Abilex Oral Exerciser device, clinical rationales, and treatment protocol including Home Exercise Program
10 Minutes
Provide and review sample Documentation
10 Minutes
Question and Answer

Delivery VIA:

  • Online - This course is offered in an online, on demand format.

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 1.0 Hour
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.1 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet required
  • As an IACET Authorized Provider, CIAO offers CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard
  • CIAO is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area)


Reviews

"I would like to see this used on children with disabilities that have apraxia, dysarthria, and reverse swallow. I want to know if it is useful for this population as there are many that fall under this."

- Ithaca, NY / Feb 2020

"Great course! Thank you!"

- Leeds, AL / Nov 2019

"Good course"

- Lake Charles, LA / May 2019

"thanks"

- woking, AL / Feb 2019

"I enjoyed the course and learned a lot"

- Bluefield, VA / Jan 2019

"Thank you for the helpful information. "

- Jacksonville, FL / Jan 2019

"Thank, very much appreciated this course and will be applicable in my orofacial myofunctional therapy. "

- Vancouver, / Jan 2019

"looking forward to research to further justify purchase"

- Finksburg, MD / Jan 2019

"Great presentation!"

- Montgomery, AL / Jan 2019

"Provide stronger, more thorough evidence of the efficacy of Oral Motor Exercises, since there is research findings that they are not effective therapy tools. "

- St Petersburg, FL / Dec 2018