A simple mathematical model of spontaneous swallow effects on breathing based on new experimental data

The coordination of respiration and swallowing involves an interaction between two central pattern generators, and this can be disturbed in some pathological situations. To better understand this interaction, we aim in this study to characterize the effect of a spontaneous swallow on the breathing pattern. This is first realized using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography on 11 healthy subjects. Real signals highlight several mechanisms for swallowing: ending of inspiration, prolongation of expiration or active expiration. These behaviours have been integrated in an existing model of the respiratory system simulating the activity of the respiratory centers, the respiratory muscles, and rib cage internal mechanics. The resulting model of interaction between breathing and swallowing is compatible with the observed effects and is driven for swallowing by a limited number of parameters.