Development of a noninvasive pharyngeal stimulation for dysphagic patients with insufficient swallowing reflex.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19469
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: Ogawa Mao 藤田医科大学, 医学部, 客員助教 (80866905)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 摂食嚥下障害 / 干渉波電気刺激 / 末梢磁気刺激 / リハビリテーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in healthy adults to evaluate the effects of Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation and weak peripheral magnetic stimulation of the neck. We developed a small peripheral magnetic stimulator for producing a weak magnetic stimulation. Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation and weak peripheral magnetic stimulation did not change the number of saliva swallowing, but significantly increased swallowing capacity (the amount of water swallowed per second). Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation and weak peripheral magnetic stimulation of the neck can be performed noninvasively and may improve the performance of liquid swallowing in healthy adults.

Free Research Field

摂食嚥下障害

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢化社会である本法において，摂食嚥下障害への対策は非常に重要である．本研究では頸部への干渉波電気刺激や弱い末梢磁気刺激よって健常成人における液体嚥下のパフォーマンスが向上する可能性が示唆された．また刺激そのものは安全にかつ不快感なく実施できることがわかり，今後摂食嚥下障害患者への適用も十分可能と考えられ，摂食嚥下障害の新たな治療法の開発に目処がついた．