Problem Statement

The National Library of Medicine conducted a research study at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2018 showing the effectiveness swallow strengthening exercises had on the elderly; 28 volunteers over the age of 75 were required to partake in swallow strengthening exercises. The effectiveness of the exercises was shown with the volunteers' diameter increase in maximum upper esophageal sphincter opening. Although the exercises seem to help improve the elderly's ability to swallow, many patients do not adhere to home-based exercise programs. In 2018, the National Library of Medicine gathered data in the Netherlands reporting that out of 120 patients given home-based exercises, 35% adhered to them.

Statement of Purpose 

With this project, I want to improve elderly adherence to home-based dysphagia swallowing exercises by creating a product that will help monitor an individual during exercises. The main goal of this product is to help lower the amount of choking injuries in elderly individuals.