In this episode, Theresa interviews Dr. Yvette McCoy, Assistant Professor at Moravian University, about her research on the connection between physical performance and swallowing function in older adults. Dr. McCoy discusses her dissertation, which found that upper body power strongly predicts swallowing-related measures, highlighting the value of integrating exercise science principles into dysphagia rehabilitation. The conversation explores the importance of interprofessional collaboration, the distinction between physical activity and exercise, and the need for a systems-based approach to aging and swallowing care. Dr. McCoy also shares insights from key studies and her vision for future research. Listen to this episode to gain greater insight into the science that will shape the future of dysphagia treatment.
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References:
H. A.Vanravenhorst-Bell, K. L.Coufal, J. A.Patterson, A. S.Mefferd. A comparative study: tongue muscle performance in weightlifters and runners. Physiol Rep, 6 (21), 2018, e13920, https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13920
VanRavenhorst-Bell HA, Mefferd AS, Coufal KL, Scudder R, Patterson J. Tongue strength and endurance: Comparison in active and non-active young and older adults. Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2017 Feb;19(1):77-86. doi: 10.3109/17549507.2016.1154983. Epub 2016 Apr 19. PMID: 27093223.
Yvette McCoy is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Moravian University. She obtained her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She currently holds her board certification in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Her current clinical and research interests include swallowing neurophysiology and rehabilitation of the impaired swallowing mechanism. She is currently collaborating with other experts in the field to research how speech-language pathologists can modulate the principles of exercise science for swallowing rehabilitation. She is also passionate about patient centered care and the impact of dysphagia among those who care for them. Yvette has numerous peer-reviewed publications, and serves on the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders as secretary. She has volunteered her time on various committees for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Dysphagia Research Society and has presented her work at both local and national and conferences. She has a PhD in health and human performance with an emphasis in exercise science at Concordia University-Chicago.
