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Measuring Oral Sensitivity in Clinical Practice: A Quick and Reliable Behavioural Method

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Abstract

This article aims to offer a behavioural assessment strategy for oral sensitivity that can be readily applied in the clinical setting. Four children, ranging in age and with a variety of developmental and medical problems, were used as test cases for a task analysis of tolerance to touch probes in and around the mouth. In all cases, the assessment was sensitive to weekly measures of an intervention for oral sensitivity over a 3-week period. Employing an inexpensive, direct, specific to the individual, replicable, reliable, and effective measure for a specific sensory problem would fit better with the edicts of evidence-based practice. The current method offered the initial evidence towards this goal.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loughborough University Centre for Research into Eating Disorders (LUCRED), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK

    Terence M. Dovey, Victoria K. Aldridge & Clarissa I. Martin

  2. Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK

    Victoria K. Aldridge

  3. Midlands Psychology, Midland House (Main Office), Stowe Court, Stowe Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6AQ, UK

    Clarissa I. Martin

Authors
  1. Terence M. Dovey
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  2. Victoria K. Aldridge
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  3. Clarissa I. Martin
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Correspondence to Terence M. Dovey.

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Dovey, T.M., Aldridge, V.K. & Martin, C.I. Measuring Oral Sensitivity in Clinical Practice: A Quick and Reliable Behavioural Method. Dysphagia 28, 501–510 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9460-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9460-2

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