Identification of the most significant electrode positions in electromyographic evaluation of swallowing-related movements in humans

Abstract

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a well-established procedure for recording swallowing-related muscle activities. Because the use of a large number of sEMG channels is time consuming and technically sophisticated, the aim of this study was to identify the most significant electrode positions associated with oropharyngeal swallowing activities. Healthy subjects (N = 16) were tested with a total of 42 channels placed in M. masseter, M. orbicularis oris, submental and paralaryngeal regions. Each test subject swallowed 10 ml of water five times. After having identified 16 optimal electrode positions, that is, positions with the strongest signals quantified by the highest integral values, differences to 26 other ones were determined by a Mann-Whitney U test. Kruskal-Wallis H test was utilized for the analysis of differences between single subjects, subject subgroups, and single electrode positions. Factors associated with sEMG signals were examined in a linear regression. Sixteen electrode positions were chosen by a simple ranking of integral values. These positions delivered significantly higher signals than the other 26 positions. Differences between single electrode positions and between test subjects were also significant. Sixteen most significant positions were identified which represent swallowing-related muscle potentials in healthy subjects.

Detection of swallowing disorders using a multiple channel surface electromyography sheet: A preliminary study

“…Therefore, electrode layout reproducibility can be ensured even if the sensor sheet is replaced. Electrode positioning is important for swallowing electromyogram measurement; 11 the electrode attachment position is determined accurately by palpating the muscle position for each individual. 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 In the study finding, despite the ease of applying electrodes without palpation, the obtained results of sEMG were similar to those of the normal sEMG reported before.…”

“…sEMG has not been widely used as it requires anatomical knowledge because electrodes should be attached at appropriate positions. 11 Most human studies on sEMG have concentrated on single muscle or muscle pair activity. We recently invented a sEMG sensor sheet comprising multiple electromyogram electrodes that can be easily attached to the front of the neck.…”

Diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia – S1 guideline of the German Society of Neurology

“…With electromyography (EMG) the activation pattern of the majority of muscles involved in the swallowing act can be analyzed. Depending on the target muscle surface or needle electrodes need to be used [ 98 ]. In the literature the examination of four specific muscle groups with surface electrodes is recommended: M. orbicularis ori and M. masseter for the oral phase, the suprahyoidal or submental muscles (M. digastricus, M. mylohyoideus, M. geniohyoideus) and the infrahyoidal muscles (M. thyrohyoideus, M. sternothyroideus) for the pharyngeal phase.…”

Correlation between cervical auscultation and electromyography in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing

“…A duração da atividade muscular, durante a deglutição, varia de 1,0 s a 2,05 s. O valor sofre interferência do volume e da consistência do alimento. 12 Na avaliação eletromiográfica, ainda não há consenso quanto à diferença no tempo e na amplitude da atividade muscular entre diferentes gêneros. 10,11 Autores sustentam que um dos sinais acústicos mais importantes do som da deglutição corresponde à movimentação da musculatura supra e infra-hióidea, além do deslocamento da laringe, e através do músculo cricofaríngeo, de forma que os sinais acústicos da deglutição possam estar correlacionados com a superfície da eletromiografia.…”

“…A posição exata dos eletrodos para cada um dos músculos previamente conhecidos e foram esclarecidas após correlação anatômica. [10][11][12] Em seguida, o participante foi orientado quanto aos procedimentos a serem realizados: sentar apoiando os pés no chão paralelamente; posicionar a cabeça medialmente ao tronco; deglutir 90 ml de líquido (água) ininterruptamente para registro da auscultação cervical e da eletromiografia de superfície. A água teve sua medida realizada em seringa esterilizada e ofertada em copo plástico.…”