Objectives and Activity

　The swallowing function is one of inevitable body processes in daily life. However, the function deteriorates in aging and the severe deterioration of the function degrades greatly the quality of life (QOL) of an aged person. Moreover, the deterioration of the function may lead a serious accident that threats his/her life such as aspiration, asphyxiation, and so on. Medical workers are necessary for the rehabilitation of swallowing function. However, it will be hard for them to do because there are limitations in space and time for them and the number of aged person to live at home or in various facilities will increase in a near future.
   This study deals with a system to support the elevation of larynx by imitating the Mendelsohn maneuver for the rehabilitation of swallowing function and develops a prototype. A robotic system to conduct the Mendelsohn maneuver for the evaluation and rehabilitation of the swallowing function of an aged person that deteriorates the function will keep the pleasure of taking a meal.

Future plans

　The prototype robotic Mendelsohn maneuver system will be improved to be a practical system that has the ability to apply a person with low larynx and to evaluate the degree of deterioration of swallowing function with the consideration of safe maneuver.