Date of Award
2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Supervisor
Dr. Ruth Martin
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of frequency of oropharyngeal air-pulse trains on saliva swallowing. Swallow response data were obtained from 14 healthy volunteers between 18 and 30 years of age. Air-pulse trains of different frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Hz) were delivered through a manual, pneumatic system connected to a customized dental splint that fit over the subject’s lower teeth. Laryngeal and respiratory movements, along with direct observation of the neck, were used to determine swallow responses. Results indicated that the mean numbers of saliva swallows produced during all air-pulse frequency conditions were significantly greater than the mean numbers of saliva swallows produced during the baseline periods (i.e., no air-pulse stimulation). However, the numbers of swallows produced during each of the five air-pulse conditions were not significantly different from each other. Results also indicated that latency periods, from the onset of air-pulse stimulation to the onset of the swallow response, were found to be significantly different among subjects, but not significantly different among air-pulse frequency conditions. Furthermore, the order of air-pulse frequency delivery did not affect swallow responses. These findings suggest that air-pulse train frequency in the range of 0.5 to 4 Hz does not differentially affect the rate or latency of saliva swallowing.
Recommended Citation
Fortushnick, Marlene Anne, "Effects of Frequency of Oropharyngeal Air-Pulse Trains on Swallowing Elicitation" (2006). Digitized Theses. 5056.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/5056