Knitted strain sensor for pharyngeal rehabilitation

Problem

Dysphagia, or swallowing dysfunction, affects 9.5 million people in the United States. Dysphagia poses significant risks including malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Dysphagia is associated with diseases including stroke, muscular dystrophy, and throat cancer. The impact of dysphagia extends beyond physical discomfort, often leading to social isolation and diminished quality of life. Early detection and tailored interventions are crucial in mitigating its consequences and improving outcomes for those affected.

The most effective way to help patients suffering from dysphagia is to identify swallowing dysfunction early and begin treatment. Current methods to monitor swallowing include X-ray videofluoroscopy, flexible endoscopy, accelerometry and surface electromyography and microphone monitoring. These methods come with significant disadvantages in terms of cost, ease of use, invasiveness, and privacy. A comfortable, wearable device to monitor swallow function is sorely needed.

Solution

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a knitted strain sensor to measure larynx rise during swallowing to identify dysphagia symptoms in patients. The device combines a comfortable, wearable fabric collar that contains a swallowing sensing device that may be used by adults or children. The device measures swallowing signals by the use of strain sensors that detect laryngeal movement during swallowing. Data is transmitted wirelessly to a device for analysis. Swallowing data is processed using an algorithm to determine effective swallowing movement.

As the device is small and comfortable, the device may be worn continuously to monitor swallowing. The ease of use of the device will enable early detection of swallowing dysfunction, allowing people to begin swallowing therapy sooner to provide better quality of life.