Around 75,000 New Zealanders were estimated to be living with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in 2020, with this number projected to more than double by 2073. Tongue strengthening exercises used in the treatment of dysphagia can increase swallowing pressures, but whether they improve the underlying patterns of muscle activation and coordination is unknown. Videofluoroscopy (motion X-ray) shows the movement of swallowing structures, while tongue-pressure sensors quantify the pressure generated. However, neither directly measure muscle activation and coordination during swallowing. A novel measurement technology has been developed at UC and is currently under IP protection. This new technology may overcome some of the limitations of existing assessment methods and could also have broader applications in muscle activation research.
You'll work with this new technique, developing laboratory validation rigs using muscle-mimicking materials, developing signal processing algorithms, and then use the technology in in-vivo tests.
You will work with Dr Donald Derrick (NZ Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour), A/Prof Phoebe Macrae(Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery) and Mark Jermy (Mechanical Engineering)
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Donald Derrick
Other Supervisor(s): Phoebe MacRae
Key qualifications and skills
You should have, or be close to completing, a degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Biomedical or Electrical Engineering, and have an interest in signal processing and problem solving.
Does the project come with funding
Per annum: Stipend of $32,650 plus PhD tuition fees. The project also has up to $5,000 available for research expenses across the duration of the degree.
Funding duration: Three years (360 points)
Final date for receiving applications
27 October 2026
How to apply
This is a UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship and applications must be made through the Scholarship Portal in your myUC account. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Commitments - Quantitative Assessment of Tongue Muscle Activation During Swallowing Rehabilitation
Keywords
Swallowing, Ultrasound Imaging, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Signal processing
