P316 Time-frequency analysis of the mu rhythm during the perception of swallowing physiology

Abstract

Objectives Similar to other complex sequences of muscle activity, swallowing relies heavily upon ‘sensorimotor integration.’ Sensorimotor integration provides critical contributions that modulate the strength and timing of swallowing. Alpha ( ∼ 8–13 Hz) and beta ( ∼ 15–25 Hz) event related desynchronization (ERD), or mu ERD, provides a measure of sensorimotor activity. Independent component analysis (ICA) and event related spectral perturbations (ERSP) offer an exciting opportunity to localize and measure cortical sensorimotor activity during real-time perception of swallowing. Thus, the current study aims to measure mu ERD during the perception of different presentations of oropharygneal swallowing physiology. Methods Ten participants underwent 64 channel electroencephalography (EEG) while observing three different video presentations of oropharyngeal swallowing physiology as well as a non-biological control video. Results Independent component analysis (ICA) and Event Related Spectral Perturbations (ERSP) revealed bilateral sensorimotor (mu) component clusters. Apha and beta ERD was stronger when participants watched videos of swallowing (pFDR .05) as compared to the control video. Discussion Observing videos of swallowing may activate a form of covert replay, which induces similar patterns of sensorimotor activity as compared to patterns of sensorimotor activity during the performance of swallowing. Conclusion Motor skill acquisition and mastery is achieved through repeated exposure to multi-modal learning experiences (Kolb et al., 1999). Eliciting sensorimotor activity during the observation of swallowing may serve to reinforce one’s ‘internal model’ of swallowing. Significance The metacognitive awareness of swallowing could be used to therapeutically reinforce one’s internal model representation of swallowing during efforts to acquire, refine, or restore swallowing.