Enhancing Dysphagia Management: Non-Invasive Tongue Force Measurement Device for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment

Teklemariam, A., Karimian, N, Manga, A., Winwood, K. and Tole, E. (2024) Enhancing Dysphagia Management: Non-Invasive Tongue Force Measurement Device for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment. In: Proceedings of the Annual British Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, pp. 32-48. Presented at 61st Annual British Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, September 2-5, 2024, Telford, United Kingdom.

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Abstract

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia significantly impacts healthcare costs, with expenses rising by up to 40% for patients hospitalized with the condition. Research indicates that implementing new therapeutic interventions in the United States alone could result in savings ranging from approximately $0.5 million to $3 billion USD annually, depending on the effectiveness of the intervention. Traditional approaches to rehabilitating oropharyngeal dysphagia often focus on improving tongue motor performance through exercises targeting tongue movements. In this study, a novel non-invasive device is developed and evaluated to precisely measure tongue force exerted during swallowing. This device incorporates a capacitive sensor within a dental mouthguard, ensuring accurate force measurement. Additionally, a 3D printed interface is utilized to maintain consistent pressure on the sensor without invasive procedures. Beyond measuring tongue force, this non-invasive device offers the capability to synchronize measurements of other physiological parameters during swallowing, such as muscle activity. By providing accurate and synchronized measurements, this innovative device has the potential to enhance understanding of oropharyngeal dysphagia mechanisms and inform more effective treatment strategies, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.