Major focus area

Feeding Therapy -> Swallowing

Short description

Sensory-Motor Integration procedures involve techniques to increase oral sensory stimulation prior to the patient’s swallow attempt. These techniques are considered compensatory or can be therapeutic. This procedure is for a patient with reduced recognition of food in the mouth or very slowed oral transit abilities (Logemann, 1998; Robbins, et al., 2008).

Long description

Sensory-Motor Integration procedures involve techniques to increase oral sensory stimulation prior to the patient’s swallow attempt. These techniques are considered compensatory or can be therapeutic. This procedure is for a patient with reduced recognition of food in the mouth or very slowed oral transit abilities (Logemann, 1998; Robbins, et al., 2008).

Method:
1. Increasing downward pressure of the spoon against the tongue as the bolus is delivered into the mouth.
2. Introducing a bolus with increase sensory characteristics, such as a cold bolus or a textured bolus or a bolus with a strong flavor.
3. Providing a bolus requiring chewing so that the mastication provides preliminary oral stimulation.
4. Thermal-tactile stimulation to the anterior faucial arches prior to the swallow.
5. Providing a larger volume bolus.