ESP: Effective Swallowing Protocol

ESP is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for dysphagia that combines the most effective electrical stimulation parameters with resistive exercises.

The result is improved quality of muscle contraction and swallowing function.


How Does ESP Work?

A combination of three major components makes this treatment protocol superior to competing electrical stimulation devices: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation + resistive swallowing exercises + postural strategies using the Restorative Posture Device (RPD). With this powerful trifecta, ESP achieves the following:

  • Movement of the airway out of the food’s pathway
  • Stimulation of fast-twitch, powerful muscle fibers to elicit motor contraction
  • A 30-minute treatment time, providing 60, 72, or up to 90 swallowing attempts
  • A safe, effortful swallow
  • Decreased risk for aspiration


Why Does ESP Work?

ESP follows the guidelines of 60+ years of research. Using electrotherapy combined with exercise physiology, Ampcare’s ESP achieves:

  • Proper electrode placement over the affected swallowing muscles
  • NMES frequencies aligned with firing rates of motor neurons of the larynx (Luschei et al 1999)
  • Parameters based on the relationship between amplitude and pulse duration
  • A duty cycle that will decrease the risk of metabolic fatigue (Enika et al 2008)
  • Principles of specificity training employed using effortful swallowing exercises (Kleim & Jones, 2008)

How does Ampcare compare to competitor devices? We broke it down for you! 

 Ampcare’s ESP follows the keys to neuroplasticity by having the patient perform a task-specific exercise that is repetitive and resistive.