Neuroplasticity Elicited by Modified Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Neurogenic dysphagia and tracheostomy impair swallowing function.
• The neural mechanisms of modified pharyngeal electrical stimulation (mPES) require elucidation.
• Understanding mPES's impact on swallowing networks is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mPES on swallowing-related neural networks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
• To assess the impact of mPES on involuntary swallowing frequency.
• To explore the immediate and prolonged effects of mPES on brain activity.

Main Methods:

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recorded hemodynamic changes in 20 healthy volunteers.
• Two experiments assessed immediate and prolonged effects of real versus sham mPES.
• Swallowing frequency was measured during stimulation sessions.

Main Results:

• mPES induced cortical activation across a widespread network, including sensory, motor, and prefrontal areas.
• Increased involuntary swallowing frequency correlated with decreased frontopolar cortex activation.
• Five days of mPES led to reduced activation in prefrontal and motor areas, suggesting neuroplastic changes.

Conclusions:

• mPES shows potential for reorganizing swallowing-related neural networks.
• The therapy may enhance neuroplasticity, leading to increased involuntary swallow frequency.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in patient populations.