Combining PES with carbonation swallowing: a TMS Study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining the effects on human cortical function by combining pharyngeal electrical stimulation with swallowing of carbonated solutions.
IRAS ID
163321
Contact name
Shaheen Hamdy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Swallowing is a complex process that takes place several times in a day (around 1000 times),important for consuming liquids (i.e. water) and nutrients. It involves the coordination of many structures of the mouth, the pharynx and the larynx.
Difficulty in swallowing is a common complaint among older healthy individuals. Difficulties are seen after several diseases. Especially for stroke patients, swallowing difficulties can cause aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and prolonged hospital stay.
Currently, there is no evidence-based treatment for swallowing difficulties that can reduce the above risks. One of the common problems after stroke that contributes to swallowing difficulty after stroke is the reduced sensation in pharyngeal and oral cavity.
We know that the use of pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) can result to better swallowing in stroke patients. We also know that swallowing of carbonated water can produce similar effects to that observed in healthy volunteers with PES.
In order to promote more effective rehabilitation for dysphagic patients, we would like to investigate how the combination of the two different techniques could affect swallowing properties.
We plan to study 15 healthy adult volunteers. The participants will attend the lab on 8 separate days (protocol 1 and 2), at least 3-4 days apart.
Protocol 1: We plan to examine how excited the brain is with the different treatments using the method of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The volunteers will receive: a) active PES only, b) active PES with swallowing carbonated water, c) active PES with swallowing mineral water and d) sham (pretend) PES with swallowing carbonated water. All the above will be delivered on different visits.
Protocol 2: For the remainder 4 visits, instead of TMS, the effects of the 4 above treatments will be judged on behavioural measurements, such as swallowing reaction times.
Measurements will be acquired before and post-interventions (up to 60min) on all days.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0018
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion