Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves physical and mental performance as well as quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, data on outcomes in very old patients are insufficient. We analyzed whether the elderly with COPD benefit in a similar way to younger patients from participation in an inpatient PR according to the assessments usually collected. Methods: Data from 3173 patients with COPD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were referred to PR at the Zurich RehaZentren, Switzerland, between January 2013 and December 2019. PR was performed 6 days per week with an average duration of 18.85 days. Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Feeling Thermometer (FT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were recorded on admission and discharge. Results: In all age groups, the 6MWT and FT improved significantly. FIM results also showed a significant increase. The results of the different age groups showed no significant differences in percentage improvements according to the assessments that were considered. Conclusions: All patient groups with COPD, even the oldest (>85 years), benefited from PR regardless of their age and according to the assessments. Prospective studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

Background: Central facial palsy (CFP) is a common condition following stroke, typically affecting the lower face and causing symptoms such as drooling, dysarthria, and facial asymmetry. Despite available rehabilitation methods, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Electromyography (EMG)-triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has shown promise in neurorehabilitation for motor impairments, but its application to CFP remains unclear. Methods: This case report explores the use of EMG-triggered FES in a 77-year-old patient with CFP following a severe ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Therapy, focused on stimulating the orbicularis oris muscle to address persistent drooling and improve facial symmetry, was alongside usual care. The stimulation duration was 5–15 min, frequency 35 Hz, and pulse duration 300 µs, applied 5 times a week. Stimulation duration was adjusted based on the patient’s progress. Results: The patient underwent 16 sessions of EMG-triggered FES over four weeks. Post-therapy reassessment with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) showed an improvement in facial motor function, with the score increasing from 58/100 to 78/100. Reassessment of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) revealed significant improvement in physical function (55 to 85 points), though the social function score slightly decreased (76 to 64 points). Improvements in dysarthria and the complete resolution of drooling were reflected in the physical function domain of the FDI and the Allensbach Dysarthria Severity Scale. Conclusions: The results highlight that EMG-triggered FES was well tolerated and effectively supported therapy, contributing to the resolution of drooling, improved facial symmetry, and enhanced speech function. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials to confirm its effectiveness and determine optimal therapy parameters.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are increasingly understood within the biopsychosocial framework, which highlights the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in their onset and persistence. Within this context, orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) represent a significant biological component, reflecting structural and functional disturbances of the orofacial system that may contribute to temporomandibular dysfunction. Objectives: This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in improving functional parameters and reducing pain in adults with myogenous TMD accompanied by OMDs. Methods: In this prospective single-arm pilot study, twenty-five adults (aged 25–39 years) with myogenous TMD and coexisting OMDs, diagnosed according to DC/TMD criteria by a dentist trained in DC/TMD assessment and referred for the intervention, completed three biweekly OMT sessions. The therapy comprised myofascial release, oromotor exercises, functional retraining of breathing, chewing, and swallowing, as well as mandibular stabilization and dissociation exercises, complemented by home-based practice. Functional parameters—maximum mouth opening (MAX) and tongue mobility (TRMR-TIP, TRMR-LPS)—were measured before and after each session. Pain intensity (VAS) and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed across all evaluated parameters. Participants demonstrated increased maximum mouth opening and tongue mobility, along with decreased pain intensity and improved quality of life following the intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that short-term OMT can yield measurable functional improvements and pain reduction in adults with TMD and associated OMDs. These findings underscore the relevance of addressing orofacial myofunctional impairments as part of the biological dimension within the biopsychosocial model and support the integration of OMT into interdisciplinary TMD management.

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser, das Trachealkanülenmanagement spielt eine zentrale Rolle in der modernen medizinischen Versorgung, insbesondere in der Intensiv- und Langzeitpflege. Der Europäische Tag der Logopädie 2023 widmete sich mit dem Motto „Logopädie in der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin“ den sprachtherapeutischen Herausforderungen in diesem komplexen Bereich. Trachealkanülen werden bei Patienten und Patientinnen mit unterschiedlichsten Indikationen eingesetzt, etwa bei neuromuskulären Erkrankungen, langzeitiger Beatmung und schweren Dysphagien. Die demografische Entwicklung und der medizinische Fortschritt tragen dazu bei, dass die Zahl der betroffenen Patienten und Patientinnen stetig steigt – und damit der Bedarf an spezialisierter, interdisziplinärer Versorgung über alle Behandlungsphasen hinweg. Article published online: 27 February 2025 © 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany