Measurement of skill and strength in swallowing
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We are looking for volunteers to participate in a study to measure skill and strength of muscles involved in swallowing. We want to determine whether there are any patterns of swallowing impairment within people who have stroke or myopathy, compared to healthy people. This study will give us a better understanding of what happens to swallowing when the brain and/or muscles are damaged, and how we can improve treatment.
If you agree to take part in this study, we will place a sensor under your chin to measure muscle activity and muscle force. You will complete the following 4 tasks:
Swallow as hard as you can.
Open your jaw against resistance.
“Hit” a target on a computer screen by controlling the timing and force of your swallowing.
“Hit” a target on a computer screen by controlling the timing and force of your mouth opening.
You will also fill out a health questionnaire and participate in a clinical swallowing evaluation. The study will take 60-90 minutes and will be completed in one visit.
You will receive a $10 voucher for reimbursement of travel expenses. If you agree to take part in this study, you are free to withdraw at any time, without having to give a reason.
If you are interested in participating, please contact:
Karen Ng
PhD Candidate
University of Canterbury Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research
Phone: 03 364 2307
Email: [email protected]
Files
Swallowing skill study_information sheetHealthy volunteers included
You are eligible to participate if you are aged 50 and above, and fall into 1 of the 3 groups listed below:
1. Healthy group: You are healthy and have never had a brain injury (e.g., stroke), head/neck injury, problems with swallowing, or a muscular disorder.
2. Stroke group: You have had a stroke and have difficulty swallowing.
3. Myopathy group: You have inflammatory myopathy and have difficulty swallowing.