**7. Evidence of IQoro's efficacy**

This section presents the scientific support for the efficacy of IQoro in treating the two closely related conditions of dysphagia and reflux-based diseases caused by a hiatal hernia. For reasons of space and readability, most studies have been reduced to short summaries of their purpose and conclusions and a link to the full article. Exceptions to this are 8.1.4 and 8.1.5 which are presented in more detail, having not been published in a scientific journal previously.

#### **7.1 Dysphagia**

#### *7.1.1 Dysphagia studies*

The evidence behind the efficacy of IQoro as a treatment for dysphagia includes more than a dozen peer-reviewed and internationally published scientific research papers.

*7.1.1.1 Study: Effects on facial dysfunction and swallowing capacity of intraoral stimulation early and late after stroke*

#### **Study type**

Peer-reviewed, prospective, cohort pre and post-study designed according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) [15].

This study showed that IQoro is effective in improving swallowing ability, facial activity in all four facial quadrants in patients, and pharyngeal sling force after stroke, irrespective of time from stroke debut to start of treatment. Improvements were still present at late follow-up (>1 year after the end of treatment).

The 31 patients were grouped according to having had a stroke with recent onset, or a long time before. By implication, the similarly successful results in the two groups rule out spontaneous recovery as a likely cause of the improvements seen.

#### **Conclusion**

IQoro is effective in improving swallowing ability, facial activity in all four facial quadrants, and pharyngeal sling force after stroke, irrespective of time from stroke debut to start of treatment.

*7.1.1.2 Study: Effect of IQoro training on impaired postural control and oropharyngeal motor function in patients with dysphagia after stroke*

#### **Study type**

Peer-reviewed, prospective, cohort pre and post-study [17].

The study used IQoro as a treatment for 12 weeks in a patient group that had pathological levels for both Impaired Postural Control (IPC) and Oropharyngeal Motor Dysfunction (OPMD).

The 26 adults recruited to the study were divided between those with recent stroke, and those who had stroke onset a long time before. Results were equally positive in both groups showing the efficacy of IQoro in immediate intervention or in chronic sufferers. Once again, the similar results in the two groups rule out spontaneous recovery as a likely cause of the improvements seen.
