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Swallow Detection with Acoustics and Accelerometric-Based Wearable Technology: A Scoping Review
Bryan Pak-Hei So1, Tim Tin-Chun Chan1, Liangchao Liu2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Summary
Wearable sensors show promise for detecting swallowing events, but accuracy varies significantly. Further research and standardization are needed for reliable clinical use in identifying dysphagia.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) pose risks of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration.
- Current diagnostic methods like videofluoroscopy and endoscopy are costly and invasive.
- Wearable sensors offer a potential for accessible, home-based swallowing assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on acoustics-based and accelerometric wearable technology for swallow detection.
- To analyze configurations, modeling, and assessment protocols of these wearable devices.
- To identify the current state and limitations of wearable technology for swallowing assessment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases.
- Independent review by two authors of 11 eligible articles.
- Analysis of reported accuracy, detected events (swallowing and non-swallowing), and study limitations.
Main Results:
- Wearable sensors can detect swallowing and non-swallowing events (e.g., dry swallows, reading).
- Reported accuracy varied widely, with some studies exceeding 90% and others falling below 60%.
- Studies exhibited high risk of bias due to small sample sizes and data imbalance, alongside heterogeneous assessment protocols.
Conclusions:
- Wearable sensor technology shows potential for dysphagia screening but requires significant improvement.
- Standardization of assessment protocols and increased research credibility are crucial.
- Further development is needed before clinical translation for accurate swallowing detection.
