Abstract

This study compared surface electromyography (sEMG) cognitive training to conventional myofunctional therapy in controlling a swallowing dysfunction, commonly referred to as "tongue thrust". Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was assessed on every subject, to rule out mechanical obstruction that would prevent proper function. The scope of this investigation composed of evaluating baseline activity and dry swallowing patterns. Subjects were distributed to one of three treatment groups: sEMG cognitive training, conventional myofunctional therapy, and control, based on the degree of NAR (normal, mild, or moderate). Initial sEMG recordings were then taken on subjects that clinically demonstrated a tongue thrust habit to confirm the dysfunction using surface electrodes placed over masseters, anterior temporalis, and upper hyoids.

The sEMG cognitive training subjects met for five weekly sessions. Surface electrodes were placed over masseters and upper hyoids to record the clenching or teeth-together activity during swallowing, in microvolts. This was displayed on the computer screen as masseters contracted on occlusal contact. Likewise, upper hyoid contraction, as viewed on the computer, was indicative of tongue activity. Muscle relaxation training and muscle balance were taught in the first session to improve muscle coordination. Subjects monitored their intra-oral functions via a computer monitor. Ideal patterns of swallowing were shown on the screen. Subjects were then taught to function to that pattern. With practice, they relied less on the screen and more on perception. Correct swallowing then occurred as a natural behavior with minimal expended energy.

Subjects in the conventional myofunctional group also worked toward improving swallowing coordination through a series of exercises designed to increase awareness of muscle activity. This was directed by a certified speech therapist. She would monitor clenching and tongue activity visually and with finger palpations to masseters and upper hyoids. In the control group, subjects did not receive any form of myofunctional therapy.

At the end of treatment, all subjects were given a final evaluation, which included rhinomanometry and sEMG to qualify improvement of swallowing coordination. The results showed that sEMG cognitive training subjects improved substantially over subjects from the conventional myofunctional group in both baseline and dry swallowing acts. Improvement may be the result of the objective method that the sEMG subjects were trained, which enabled them to increase awareness and perception of the correct swallowing patterns.

LLU Discipline

Orthodontics

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

R. David Rynearson

Second Advisor

Joseph M. Caruso

Third Advisor

Daniel Flores

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1999

Date (Title Page)

6-1999

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Deglutition -- physiology; Deglutition Disorders -- diagnosis; Deglutition Disorders -- therapy; Electromyography -- therapy.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 42

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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