Carbonation as a sensory enhancement strategy: evidence for clinical implementation

Abstract

Speech Pathologists sometimes use sensory enhancement strategies (SES) as an option to help reduce symptom severity and improve swallow safety in individuals with dysphagia (disordered swallowing). SES involve altering the taste, temperature or other sensory properties of food or liquid. Current anecdotal evidence suggests clinicians are highly variable in their use of SES viii List the significant and substantial inputs made by others to the research, work and writing represented and/or reported in the thesis. I have received ongoing guidance to complete all research activity from my supervisors, Professor Elizabeth Ward and Dr Anna Farrell during the candidature. In addition, Dr Rebecca Nund provided guidance and input into the methodological design and qualitative analysis approach used in Chapter 3. Dr Laurelie Wall contributed to cluster analysis statistical analysis and was involving in drafting parts of the article that forms the content of Chapter 4. Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree No works submitted towards another degree have been included in this thesis. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects All research involving human subjects obtained relevant ethical clearance prior to studies commencing. Ethical review and approval by an independent review committee were obtained. The relevant details of ethics approvals obtained including the ethics approval number and name of approving committees are provided below. HREC RBWH HREC/13/QRBW/82 Ethics clearance number (Prospective cohort study) UQ HREC Ethics clearance numbers 201300158 (Qualitative SES practises study); 2015001413 (Prospective cohort study) & 2017001783 (Palatability study) Copies of the ethics approval letters are included in the thesis appendices.