NSF Award
1912667
The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to address a current void in medical and clinical practices across a broad scope of disciplines (e.g., dentofacial orthopedist, speech language pathologist, sleep medicine specialist, respiratory therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist) specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) (i.e., sleep apnea, dysphagia, malocclusions, tongue thrusts, articulation). Millions of people worldwide are impacted by some intricate and individualized form of OMD each year. Currently, there is a limited number of oral function diagnostic devices available. Providing a device, PARROT, that will capture real-time natural lingual behavior outside a controlled clinical setting may further one?s understanding of the obscure happenings within the oral cavity. Such information may further advance OMD diagnostic and rehabilitation practices as well as promote the engagement of new research across several medical and clinical fields. Recognizing the growing prevalence of OMD across multiple health related disciplines and the projected growth of a multibillion-dollar medical device manufacturing industry, PARROT may address such a need.<br/><br/>This I-Corps project is purposed toward enhancing one's quality of life by establishing a robust method to view lingual behaviors potentially associated with OMD. The tongue's placement within the oral cavity obstructs and limits accessibility to observe and objectively record natural lingual behaviors (i.e., spatial positioning, placement, movement and performance). Such limitations may dilute biofeedback purposed toward identifying atypical patterns or mechanics potentially causing or promoting an OMD; thereby, impeding the appropriate application to effectively treat the OMD. PARROT is a wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping appliance that introduces the potential for a systematic approach to objectively evaluate natural lingual behavior (e.g., region specific lingual movement, positional habits, and performance) while allowing an individual to continue routine daily activities and behaviors. To date, a particular proximity sensor has been identified for measuring tongue-palate distance along with contact and motion displacement across the stretch of the tongue in the oral cavity, while a specific pressure mapping matrix will measure intensity of pressure applied by the tongue across the palate and upper dentition. PARROT is currently in an Alpha Prototype state with configuration and optimization of biomaterials continuing prior to Beta Prototype validation.<br/><br/>This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
