The effects of repeated depression on air-filled bulbs used in tongue exercises for swallowing problems

Project Overview

Progressive tongue strengthening exercises have been shown to improve swallowing safety in patients with dysphagia, the medical term for difficulties in swallowing. Exercises have been completed using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI), which is a hand-held device with a nickel-sized airfilled bulb. Patients have reported decreased bulb responsiveness over time. The goal of this project is to test the bulb and to determine if the bulb performance changes after repeated use. We are then to make recommendations on how the bulb or IOPI device can be improved and, if requested, fabricate a prototype new bulb for our client.

Team Picture

Project Team: Katherine Lake, Sarah Reichert, John Byce, Chris Besaw

Files

Final Report (December 8, 2010)
Final Poster (December 9, 2010)
Product Design Specifications (September 23, 2010)
Midsemester Presentation Powerpoint (October 14, 2010)
Midsemester Paper (October 20, 2010)

Contact Information

Team Members

Sarah Reichert - Team Leader
John Byce - Communicator
Christopher Besaw - BSAC
Katherine Lake - BWIG

Advisor and Client

Prof. John Webster - Advisor
JoAnne Robbins - Client