Mouthpiece for Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders

Author

Rebekah Starkey, The University of AkronFollow
Carissa Thompson, The University of AkronFollow
Michael Dickens, The University of AkronFollow
Andrew Pero, The University of AkronFollow

College

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-06 08:19:21

Major

Biomedical Engineering

Honors Course

4800 491 / 4800 492

Number of Credits

4

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2023

Abstract

Neuromuscular Disorders (NMDs) impact people throughout the world. An early hallmark of these disorders includes some degree of facial muscle weakness. Respiratory testing is important to evaluate the progression of these patients’ NMDs. However, these tests require that the patient purses their lips around a mouthpiece to create a tight seal. This is a difficult task for one with facial muscle degeneration. This often leads to results that fail to reflect the patient’s true respiratory ability and prevents their physician from providing the appropriate degree of care. The objective of this project was to develop a face mask or mouthpiece for Negative Inspiratory Force (NIF) testing to allow these users to create a proper seal without use of their facial muscles. Through the engineering design process, a 3D printed prototype was designed to interface with NIF testing equipment. This proposed design uses bite force to create a tight seal, allowing for accurate test results, enhanced comfort, and better patient outcomes.

Research Sponsor

Hossein Tavana

First Reader

Chris Newey

Second Reader

Kevin Cavicchi

Honors Faculty Advisor

Elijah Wreh

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

Recommended Citation

Starkey, Rebekah; Thompson, Carissa; Dickens, Michael; and Pero, Andrew, "Mouthpiece for Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders" (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1685.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1685