Taste Manipulation and Swallowing Mechanics in Trauma-Related Sensory-Based Dysphagia

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2019 Aug 15;62(8):2703-2712. doi: 10.1044/2019_JSLHR-S-18-0381. Epub 2019 Jul 23.

Abstract

Purpose This study explored the effects of high-concentration taste manipulation trials on swallow function in persons with sensory-based dysphagia. Method Dysphagia researchers partnered with clinical providers to prospectively identify traumatically injured U.S. military service members (N = 18) with sensory-based dysphagia as evidenced by delayed initiation and/or decreased awareness of residue/penetration/aspiration. Under videofluoroscopy, participants swallowed trials of 3 custom-mixed taste stimuli: unflavored (40% weight/volume [wt/vol] barium sulfate in distilled water), sour (2.7% wt/vol citric acid in 40% wt/vol barium suspension), and sweet-sour (1.11% wt/vol citric acid plus 8% wt/vol sucrose in 40% wt/vol barium suspension). Trials were analyzed and compared via clinical rating tools (the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile [Martin-Harris et al., 2008] and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale [Rosenbek, Robbins, Roecker, Coyle, & Wood, 1996]). Additionally, a computational analysis of swallowing mechanics (CASM) was applied to a subset of 9 swallows representing all 3 tastants from 3 participants. Results Friedman's tests for the 3 stimuli revealed significantly (p < .05) improved functional ratings for Penetration-Aspiration Scale and pharyngoesophageal opening. CASM indicated differences in pharyngeal swallowing mechanics across all tastant comparisons (p ≤ .0001). Eigenvectors revealed increased tongue base retraction, hyoid elevation, and pharyngeal shortening for sweet-sour and, to a lesser extent, sour than for unflavored boluses. Conclusion Advantageous changes in certain parameters of oropharyngeal swallowing physiology were noted with high-intensity tastants per both clinical ratings and subsequent CASM, suggesting potential therapeutic application for taste manipulation.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cineradiography
  • Computational Biology
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyoid Bone / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Occupational Injuries / etiology
  • Occupational Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Pharynx / physiopathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Taste / physiology*
  • Tongue / physiopathology
  • United States
  • Young Adult