Mobili-T: A Mobile Swallowing-Therapy Device: An Interdisciplinary Solution for Patients with Chronic Dysphagia

Abstract

Swallowing impairments, or dysphagia, can lead to serious health problems and psychosocial concerns. Effective treatment can be enhanced with the use of adjuvant visual biofeedback from surface electromyography (sEMG) to monitor muscle movement during intensive swallowing exercises. However, access to this therapy is currently possible only in a clinical setting, and is therefore restricted due to limited clinical capacity and technology costs. In this paper, we describe the concept for a new hardware-and-software mobile system for swallowing therapy: Mobili-T. The system, designed by an interdisciplinary team of biomedical engineers, clinicians, and industrial designers, will help patients with dysphagia go through their rehabilitation regimens at home.