Reciprocal Influence of Mobility and Speech-Language: Advancing Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy Cotreatment and Collaboration for Adults With Neurological Conditions

Abstract

Mobility and speech-language impairments and limitations in adults with neurological conditions manifest not in isolated anatomical components but instead in the individual-environment system and are task-dependent. Optimization of function thus requires interprofessional care to promote participation in meaningful life areas within appropriate task and environmental contexts. Cotreatment guidelines (ie, the concurrent intervention of disciplines) were established by the physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language and hearing professional organizations nearly 2 decades ago to facilitate seamless interprofessional care. Despite this, cotreatment between physical therapy and speech therapy remains limited. The purpose of this Perspective article is to encourage physical therapists and speech-language pathologists to increase interprofessional collaboration through cotreatment in the management of adults with neurological conditions. Evidence from pediatrics and basic motor control literature points toward reciprocal interactions between speech-language and mobility. We provide recommendations for clinical practice with an emphasis on the gains each discipline can provide the other. This Perspective is rooted in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model and ecological theory.

Impact: The goals of speech therapy and physical therapy are complementary and mutually supportive. Enhanced cotreatment, and collaboration more generally, between physical therapists and speech-language pathologists in the management of adults with neurological conditions can augment task-relevant conditions to improve function.

Keywords: Cotreatment; Neurological Disability; Physical Therapy; Rehabilitation; Speech-Language Pathology.