The effect of swallowing task and visual feedback on submental muscle activity during swallowing.

Abstract

Background: One approach to swallowing rehabilitation is skill rather than strength training. This study sought to improve the calibration process used in a skill training protocol (BiSSkiT) for swallowing rehabilitation. Calibrating an achievable target range is important to ensure that the task is achievable and promotes skill rather than strength training.

Methods: This methodological study used a two-factor repeated measures design. Healthy participants completed normal and effortful swallows under two conditions: with and without visual feedback. The maximum amplitude as measured by sEMG was recorded for each swallow.

Results: Data from 35 participants was analysed. A significance difference was found between swallowing tasks but not feedback conditions. Effortful swallowing resulted in higher amplitude than normal swallowing. Effortful swallowing also had a higher variability (mean SD=17.47) than normal swallowing (mean SD=9.69).

Conclusion: The aim of this study was to determine the most consistent approach to calibrating a target range during skill training for swallowing rehabilitation. The presence or absence of visual feedback did not impact on sEMG measurements. The greater variability during effortful swallows suggests that normal swallowing should be used to calibrate a target range.