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| Operant Control of the Swallowing Response |
| Sunday, May 24, 2020 |
| 8:00 AM–8:20 AM |
| Virtual |
| Area: CBM |
| Chair: Alden Marie Gartrell (University of North Texas) |
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| Operant Control of the Swallowing Response |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| ALDEN MARIE GARTRELL (University of North Texas), Manish Vaidya (University of North Texas), Brennan Patrick Armshaw (University of North Texas), Russell Silguero (University of North Texas) |
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| Abstract: The process of swallowing can be described in four stages; the Oral-Preparatory phase, the Oral-Transit phase, the Pharyngeal phase and the Esophageal phase. Behavioral feeding procedures have been effective in aiding individuals resolve issues with the first two phases of swallowing. Medical procedures have been shown to be effective with individuals that have issues with the esophageal stage of swallowing. This presentation explores the utility of behavior analytic procedures in helping with the third or Pharyngeal stage of the swallowing response.
In particular, this research explores the utility of surface electromyography (sEMG) in micro-shaping activation of the suprahyoid muscle which controls the action of the larynx in the swallowing response. Eight healthy college-aged participants were exposed to contingencies promoting a more effortful and sustained swallowing response. The data show that activity of the suprahyoid muscle can be operantly conditioned. These results suggest that sEMG technology can be used to supplement contingencies of reinforcement and provide effective behavioral treatment and rehabilitation for Dysphagia. |
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