Alden Gartrell

First Name: 
Alden
Last Name: 
Gartrell
Mentor: 
Dr. Manish Vaidya
Abstract: 
Behavioral treatments and research for feeding have received an impressive amount of success in aiding the food expansion of individuals with food selectivity. Currently, there is little research being conducted over the process that accompanies feeding: swallowing. Dysphagia is a common area of study in Speech-Language Pathology. This study seeks to identify the operant nature of a swallow and/or whether operant control can be obtained from a swallow at all. This study also seeks to determine what Behavior Analytic tools could be used to help aid Speech-Language Pathology in the treatment of Dysphagia. In this study, we ran healthy college-aged participants to see if training a more effortful, sustained swallow was feasible through the use of Surface Electromyographic (sEMG) technology. Future implications of this study have the potential to change how treatment looks for individuals with Dysphagia. Because the use of sEMG technology is non-invasive, utilizing biofeedback in rehabilitative treatments for Dysphagia has the potential to change the quality of life for many individuals.
Poster: 
Operant Control of the Swallowing Response