Thermal Tactile Stimulation

Thermal stimulation or thermal-tactile application has been investigated quite a bit and has largely been dismissed as it has been shown to produce only momentary and non-durable reductions in stage transition duration (pharyngeal delay time) (Hamdy et al., 2003; Miyaoka et al., 2006; Rosenbek et al., 1998; Rosenbek, Robbins, Fishback, & Levine, 1991; Rosenbek, Roecker, Wood, & Robbins, 1996). It is receiving more thought recently due to current questions about the role of sensory input on neuromuscular plasticity in adults with neurological diseases and stroke.

James L. Coyle
University of Pittsburgh

References



Hamdy, S., Jilani, S., Price, V., Parker, C., Hall, N., & Power, M. (2003). Modulation of human swallowing behaviour by thermal and chemical stimulation in health and after brain injury. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 15, 69-77.

Miyaoka, Y., Haishima, K., Takagi, M., Haishima, H., Asari, J., & Yamada, Y. (2006). Influences of thermal and gustatory characteristics on sensory and motor aspects of swallowing. Dysphagia, 21, 1-11.

Rosenbek, J. C., Robbins, J. A., Fishback, B., & Levine, R. L. (1991). Effects of thermal application on dysphagia after stroke. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 34, 1257-1268.

Rosenbek, J. C., Robbins, J. A., Willford, W. O., Kirk, G., Schiltz, A., Sowell, T. W. et al. (1998). Comparing treatment intensities of tactile-thermal application. Dysphagia., 13, 1-9.

Rosenbek, J. C., Roecker, E. B., Wood, J. L., & Robbins, J. A. (1996). Thermal application reduces the duration of stage transition in dysphagia after stroke. Dysphagia, 11, 225-233.