2020 Student Research Conference:
33rd Annual Student Research Conference

Pulse Rate Recovery after Physical, Swallowing, and Speech Tasks in Healthy College Students


Samantha N. Smith* and Naomi E. Raible
Dr. Julia D. Edgar, Faculty Mentor

Speech-language pathologists have used finger pulse oximetry to measure changes in oxygen saturation and pulse rate to gauge the work of eating, specifically in those with dysphagia. There is little normative data available on heart rate changes during a meal or during changes due to compensatory strategies for swallowing safety. Such information can help when working with patients with dysphagia, especially those experiencing cardio-pulmonary issues in tandem.  The purpose of this study was to use finger pulse oximetry to determine changes in pulse rate associated with swallowing tasks in young adults. Swallowing tasks included hard swallow, the 100 ml water swallow test, and consecutive solid food swallows. Speech and physical fitness tasks were conducted with pulse rates measured as supplemental information regarding the overall health of the individual. Collected data will be compared to future studies of older populations, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and those with dysphagia.

Keywords: finger pulse oximetry, pulse rate, dysphagia, swallowing tasks, physical fitness tasks, speech tasks

Topic(s):Communication Disorders

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA

* Indicates the Student Presenter
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