Facilitating Effects of Olfactory Stimulation on Swallowing

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11278
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Baika Women's University
• Principal Investigator: Fukami Hideyuki 梅花女子大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 教授 (30382625)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 嚥下 / 嗅覚 / 炭酸刺激

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examined the impact of sensory input on voluntary swallowing performance using a 0.3 M NaCl solution, which does not influence sensory stimulation of the pharyngeal region. Carbonic acid stimulation of the pharynx reduced the inter-swallow interval during voluntary swallowing and promoted swallowing. Postnasal olfactory stimulation with sweet odors also reduced the inter-swallow interval and facilitated swallowing. Carbonic acid stimulation may promote swallowing by augmenting peripheral input to the swallowing center in the brainstem, whereas olfactory stimulation may enhance central input.

Free Research Field

感覚生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果により、随意性嚥下を容易にする感覚を明らかにできた。飲料水の炭酸付加や飲食物へのにおいの付加は簡便にでき、誤嚥の有用な予防策となり得る。また、嚥下遂行が容易になることから、安全な嚥下障害リハビリテーションにも応用できる可能性がある。