Oropharyngeal Stimulation with Air-Pulse Trains Increases Swallowing Frequency in Healthy Adults

Abstract

This study sought to determine whether air-pulse trains delivered to the peritonsillar area would facilitate swallowing in healthy subjects. Trains of unilateral or bilateral air pulses were delivered to the peritonsillar area via tubing embedded in a dental splint, while swallows were simultaneously identified from their associated laryngeal and respiratory movements. Results from four subjects indicated that oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation evoked an irrepressible urge to swallow, followed by an overt swallow as verified by laryngeal and respiratory movements. Moreover, air-pulse stimulation was associated with a significant increase in swallowing frequency. Mean latency of swallowing following bilateral stimulation tended to be less than the latency of swallowing following unilateral stimulation. These findings in healthy adults suggest the possibility that oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation may have clinical utility in dysphagic individuals.

Effects of Oropharyngeal Air-Pulse Stimulation on Swallowing in Healthy Older Adults

“…The present finding that saliva swallowing is facilitated by oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation in older adults is consistent with our earlier report that oropharyngeal airpulse application increases saliva swallowing in younger adults [1], a finding recently corroborated by Lowell et al [2]. Taken together, these studies indicate that both young and older adults show increased saliva swallowing rates in response to oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation.…”

“…Similar findings have recently been reported by Lowell et al [2]. We also showed that bilateral oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation tended to be associated with a higher mean saliva swallowing rate and shorter mean swallowing latency compared with unilateral oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation [1], suggesting a possible role for spatial summation in the facilitatory effect of air pulses on swallowing.…”

“…Our original study was preliminary in nature and examined a small subject sample [1]. In spite of the small sample size, we found a statistically significant increase in swallowing frequency in association with airpulse stimulation, suggesting a large air-pulse effect size.…”

“…A mouthpiece, adapted from our previously reported oral splint [1,17], provided a means of delivering air-pulse trains to the peritonsillar region. The mouthpiece was made of dental resin that was vacuum-formed over a cast of the dental arch.…”

“…Theurer et al [1] showed that air-pulse stimulation of the peritonsillar region was associated with an urge to swallow and an increased rate of saliva swallowing in healthy young adults. Similar findings have recently been reported by Lowell et al [2].…”