E12 Functional Chewing Therapy (FuCT): A Protocol Every Community SLP Needs to Know About with Dr Carol Tran
Dysphagia Research BitesShow Notes
What if one of the most overlooked aspects of dysphagia management isn't about swallowing at all — it's about chewing? In this episode of Dysphagia Research Bites, Chantelle sits down with Carol, an oral health therapist who works with adults with disability and complex needs, to unpack the Functional Chewing Training (FuCT) protocol. Yes, the article they discuss was written for children with cerebral palsy. But don't let that put you off. As Chantelle and Carol discuss in this episode, the principles can translate meaningfully to adults — particularly those with intellectual disability, developmental disability, or acquired neurological conditions. There is little chewing rehabilitation literature for adults, and this article is one of the most structured, clinically applicable frameworks available. Yes we know... the acronym is an interesting choice.
In this episode we cover: The four components of the FuCT protocol: postural alignment, food positioning on the molars, sensory stimulation, and food consistency grading Why assessing posture and trunk control is the non-negotiable first step before any chewing intervention The role of the chew tube and tools like the Gnosh Sidebiter in stimulating the chewing muscles and encouraging lateralisation How tongue thrusting relates to chewing dysfunction, and why addressing the thrust may need to come before oral hygiene can even happen The link between chewing, saliva, sensory input, and nutrient absorption (including the GLP-1 connection you probably didn't learn in university) How reduced mastication may be associated with cognitive decline — and what the research suggests about blood flow and the hippocampus Why a dietitian referral should be on your radar for clients with significant chewing dysfunction, even in the absence of obvious weight loss
The publication this episode is based on: Serel Arslan S, Demir N, Kılınç HE, Karaduman AA. Effect of a new treatment protocol called Functional Chewing Training on chewing function in children with cerebral palsy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial. J Oral Rehabil. 2017;44(1):46–52. doi: 10.1111/joor.12459
You can find more information on the Gnosh Sidebiter here: https://www.sidebiter.com
For comprehensive evidence-based dysphagia education beyond the podcast, head to: https://www.dysphagiabites.com/clinical-swallow-evaluation-course
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