Automated Detection and Evaluation of Swallowing Using a Combined EMGBioimpedance Measurement System

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Developing an automated diagnostic and therapeutic instrument for treating swallowing disorders requires procedures able to reliably detect and evaluate a swallow.

We tested a two-stage detection procedure based on a combined electromyography/bioimpedance (EMBI) measurement system.

EMBI is able to detect swallows and distinguish them from similar movements in healthy test subjects.

Study Design.

The study was planned and conducted as a case-control study (EA 1/019/10, and EA1/160/09, EA1/161/09).

Method.

The study looked at differences in swallowing parameters in general and in the event of penetration during swallows in healthy subjects and in patients with an oropharyngeal swallowing disorder.

A two-stage automated swallow detection procedure which used electromyography (EMG) and bioimpedance (BI) to reliably detect swallows was developed.

Results.

Statistically significant differences between healthy subjects and patients with a swallowing disorder were found in swallowing parameters previously used to distinguish between swallowing and head movements.

Our two-stage algorithm was able to reliably detect swallows (sensitivity = 96.1%, specificity = 97.1%) on the basis of these differences.

Discussion.

Using a two-stage detection procedure, the EMBI measurement procedure is able to detect and evaluate swallows automatically and reliably.

The two procedures (EMBI + swallow detection) could in future form the basis for automated diagnosis and treatment (stimulation) of swallowing disorders.