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The effect of surface electrical stimulation on vocal fold position
Ianessa A Humbert1, Christopher J Poletto, Keith G Saxon
1Laryngeal and Speech Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|November 29, 2007
Summary
Surface electrical stimulation did not significantly improve vocal fold closure for airway protection during swallowing in healthy adults. One placement slightly increased vocal fold opening, but not enough for therapeutic benefit.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Swallowing Physiology
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Background:
- Airway protection during swallowing relies on vocal fold closure.
- Reduced or delayed vocal fold closure increases aspiration risk, necessitating interventions.
- Surface electrical stimulation (SES) is used in dysphagia therapy, but its physiological effects on vocal folds are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate physiological effects of SES on true vocal fold angle.
- To determine the efficacy of different electrode placements for improving vocal fold adduction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 27 healthy adults.
- Examined the immediate effect of SES on true vocal fold angle at rest.
- Utilized fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy to measure vocal fold angle changes with 10 electrode placements on the submental and neck regions.
Main Results:
- Vocal fold angles showed minimal changes with most electrode placements (P < .05).
- Vertical neck electrode placement resulted in a mean true vocal fold abduction of 2.4 degrees.
- Horizontal submental electrode placement yielded a mean adduction of 2.8 degrees (P = .03).
Conclusions:
- SES to the submental and neck regions does not provide sufficient immediate true vocal fold adduction for airway protection during swallowing.
- One specific electrode placement may slightly increase vocal fold opening, but not to a clinically significant degree for therapeutic purposes.
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