Correlation of Temporal Parameters of Laryngeal Excursion by Using Force-Sensing Resistor Sensors with Hyoid Motion in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study.
Chin-Man Wang, Chao-Jan Wang, Wann-Yun Shieh and 3 others
PMID 32347417WHAT IT FOUND
Force-sensing resistor sensors on the neck tracked hyoid bone timing closely during swallowing in healthy adults.
The sensors correlated strongly with video X-ray measurements, suggesting they could offer a radiation-free way to monitor swallowing timing in clinical settings.
Key findings
01Temporal parameters of laryngeal excursion detected by force-sensing resistor sensors showed highly significant correlation with hyoid motion detected by videofluoroscopic swallowing study in healthy volunteers.
02Correlations were strong in men, but in women, the correlation for the onset of hyoid motion was moderate rather than strong.
03There were no significant differences between the two measurement systems for most time durations, except for the onset of hyoid motion in women.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study only included healthy young adults, so it is unknown if these sensors work as well in older adults or patients with dysphagia. The time resolution of the two systems differed (0.001 s for sensors vs 0.033 s for VFSS), which may have affected the precision of the correlation. The study did not test the sensors on patients with swallowing disorders, only on normal physiology. There was a discrepancy in the onset timing of hyoid motion in women, suggesting the sensor may be less accurate for detecting the very start of the swallow in this group.
Declared interests
Funding was provided by the National Science Council and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou. No other conflicts of interest were reported.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these sensors can replace VFSS for diagnosing aspiration or structural issues. The study only showed that the sensors track the timing of movement in healthy people; it did not test whether they can detect the dangerous swallowing errors seen in patients with dysphagia.