Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1998

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Speech Pathology

Major Professor

Jacki L. Ruark

Committee Members

Patrick J. Carney, Gary McCullough

Abstract

Despite the importance of swallowing in everyday functioning, there is lack of information regarding the development of swallowing skills in normal infant and pediatric populations. In adults, it is known that changes in bolus viscosity affect the amplitude and duration of electromyographic (EMG) muscle activation patterns during swallowing. Although adult-like swallowing patterns are not evident in young infants, oral motor/feeding abilities are known to mature along with anatomic and central nervous system growth and development. During the evaluation and treatment of oromotor/swallowing disorders, infants and children are given a variety of bolus consistencies. There is, however, little information regarding the effects of var3dng the viscosity level of the bolus on swallowing activity of typically developing infants and children.

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether younger, and older children, and adults demonstrate similar coordinative strategies during swallowing. Specifically, the duration and amplitude of EMG activity of various muscles during swallowing were investigated for differences across viscosity levels of boli between groups and within age groups.

The results suggest that average EMG amplitude can differentiate between age groups and that differences exist between bolus consistency and muscle. EMG duration does not differ significantly between age groups, however, different trends were observed for different age groups. EMG duration does not differ as an effect of increased bolus viscosity. The results of this study provide support of a developmental continuum in swallowing patterns.

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