The Influence of Perspective on Perception: Assessing Residue Across Planes of Videofluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine whether perception of pharyngeal residue severity differs by view plane on videofluoroscopy. (2) To explore whether the Bolus Clearance Ratio (BCR) can be reliably applied in the anterior-posterior (AP) plane. (3) To investigate the relationship between perception of residue severity and BCR measures across view planes. METHODS: Images of the same bolus condition in lateral and AP were rated using a simple 5-point ordinal descriptive scale (none, trace, mild, moderate, severe) by 225 speech-language pathologists via electronic survey. BCR measures were obtained for the same set of images from four trained raters. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and cumulative mixed modeling were used to compare ratings by plane. BCR reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Perceptual ratings were compared with BCR measures using Spearman correlations. RESULT: (1) Perception of residue severity was not consistent across plane in 9/10 image pairs (p < 0.05), with a significant fixed effect of plane on severity rating (ß = 0.41; z = 7.27; p < 0.001). The directionality of differences varied by case. (2) Inter-rater reliability for BCR measures was good across lateral (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.82) and AP (ICC = 0.87) planes, with superior intra-rater reliability in AP (lateral ICC = 0.85; AP ICC = 0.98). (3) There was a strong positive correlation between perceptual ratings and BCR measures in both planes. CONCLUSIONS: Perception of pharyngeal residue severity differs between lateral and AP planes with inconsistent directionality raising important questions about the clinical implications of single plane studies. The BCR shows good-excellent reliability and strong correlation with perception across planes, offering a promising method for cross-plane quantification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study with a gold standard Laryngoscope, 2024.

Role of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with suspected dysphagia

Abstract Objective To assess FEES findings in defining oral feeding safety in children with suspected dysphagia, comparing them with clinical feeding evaluation results. Methods This study comprised a case series involving children with suspected dysphagia, referred for evaluation by otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital. These children underwent both clinical evaluations and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), with a comprehensive collection of demographic and clinical data. Subsequently, the authors performed a comparative analysis of findings from both assessments. Results Most patients successfully completed the FEES procedure (93.7%), resulting in a final number of 60 cases included in the study. The prevalence of dysphagia was confirmed in a significant 88% of these cases. Suspected aspiration on clinical SLP evaluation was present in 34 patients. Of these, FEES confirmed aspiration or penetration in 28 patients. Among the 35 patients with aspiration or penetration on FEES, 7 (20%) had no suspicion on SLP clinical assessment. All seven patients in whom clinical SLP evaluation failed to predict penetration/aspiration had neurological disorders. The median age of the children was 2.8 years, and 49 (81.6%) had neurological disorders, while 35 (58.3%) had chronic pulmonary disease. The most prevalent complaints were choking (41.6%) and sialorrhea (23.3%). Conclusion FEES can diagnose structural anomalies of the upper aerodigestive tract and significantly contribute to the detection of aspiration and penetration in this group of patients with suspected dysphagia, identifying moderate and severe dysphagia even in cases where clinical assessment had no suspicion.

Kinematic Measurements of Swallowing by Ultrasound: A Scoping Review.

Ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive method used to study the kinematics of the swallowing function. Kinematic measurements are reported in studies evaluating swallowing using US, but there is no standardization. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and characterize the kinematic measurements of swallowing obtained by ultrasound. We followed the methodological recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis-extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The research question followed the acronym PCC (population, concept, and context). Seven databases and gray literature were searched. Studies were selected using a blind, paired, and independent method. Data were extracted using a standardized tool. There were 2591 studies and 42 were eligible. Most studies had samples of less than 30 participants and mostly included healthy young adults and older people. The swallowing tasks during the assessments were not standardized. The most commonly studied measures were hyoid displacement and tongue movement during swallowing. However, there is no consensus between studies on the definition of the measures and the procedures for ultrasound assessment, including image acquisition and analysis.

The effects of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing physiology, airway protection, and respiratory-swallow pattern in adults: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The use of noninvasive respiratory support- namely high flow of oxygen delivered via nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) - has been expanding in recent years. The physiologic mechanisms underlying each of these forms of support are generally well understood. In contrast, the effects on the sensorimotor mechanisms of swallowing movements, and of breathing and swallowing coordination ─ critical elements of airway protection and bolus clearance ─ remain unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the existing evidence about the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing mechanics, airway protection, and respiratory-swallowing patterns in adults. METHODS: Six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses) were searched using predetermined terms. Inclusion criteria were: 1) adult humans 2) use of noninvasive respiratory support, and 3) assessment of swallowing. RESULTS: We identified 8727 articles for screening; 15 met the inclusion criteria. Six studies assessed noninvasive respiratory support in healthy adults, and 9 assessed participants with heterogenous respiratory diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), acute respiratory failure, and chronic respiratory failure due to neuromuscular disease. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified NIH Quality Assessment Tool. In healthy adults, results demonstrated mixed effects of HFNC and CPAP on measures of swallowing function, airway protection, and respiratory swallowing patterns. Negative effects on respiratory-swallowing patterns were reported with NIV. In adults with heterogeneous respiratory diagnoses, six studies reported that HFNC, CPAP, or nasal NIV improved measures of swallowing and respiratory-swallowing patterns. HFNC has mixed effects on swallowing measures in ICU patients. NIV increased atypical respiratory-swallowing patterns in patients with stable COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Due to small sample sizes and the wide variation in study designs, the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing, airway protection, and respiratory-swallowing patterns cannot be confidently assessed based on the current evidence. Future studies using standardized, validated, and reproducible methods to assess the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing physiology and airway protection are warranted.

Task-Based Eating and Drinking Interventions in Animal Models: A Narrative Review of Functional Improvements and Neuromuscular Adaptations in Age-Related Dysphagia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Age-related dysphagia involves sarcopenia and nervous system changes affecting ingestion. The ACT-ING program, a novel task-based occupational therapy intervention, has been developed to improve strength, endurance, and ingestive skills using real-world eating and drinking tasks for older adults with age-related dysphagia. This narrative review evaluates the outcomes and neuromuscular adaptations of task-based eating and drinking interventions in aging animal models to inform potential refinements of the ACT-ING program and interpret results from an ongoing proof-of-concept study. METHODS: Publications were obtained from PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and EMBASE, and selected following the PRISMA guideline. Thirteen randomized trials investigated a task-based fluid-licking intervention in rats, combining strength, endurance, and skill training. RESULTS: Results suggested benefits in improving muscle strength, endurance, and swallowing skills in terms of quantity and speed. Although neuromuscular adaptations were less conclusive, the intervention appeared to induce cortical plasticity and increase fatigue-resistant muscle fibers in the involved muscles. CONCLUSIONS: While these findings are promising, methodological concerns and potential biases were identified. Therefore, further research is necessary to refine the ACT-ING program, including both clinical studies in humans and preclinical studies in aging animal models that clearly define interventions targeting all aspects of ingestion-related skills within a motor learning and strength training framework.

Dysphagia Screening in Residential Long-Term Care Settings in the Republic of Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Dysphagia affects up to 70% of older adults living in residential long-term care settings (RLTCS) and may lead to serious complications if not identified and adequately managed. However, there is a dearth of clinical guidelines tailored to older adults at risk of dysphagia in RLTCS. An online survey consisting of 40 questions was conducted to identify dysphagia screening practices, referral patterns and interventions implemented by nurses in cases of suspected dysphagia, to quantify the number of residents with dysphagia, episodes of aspiration pneumonia in the previous year, and use of modified texture diets and fluids and explore differences between groups of RLTCS. The survey was developed using Qualtrics XM Platform and circulated via email, with one response per RLTCS sought. Data were analysed using RStudio. Of the 429 RLTCS contacted, 45 completed and returned the survey, a 10.5% response rate. Dysphagia screening practices, referral patterns, and dysphagia management interventions varied across participating RLTCS. All participants reported that they observe for signs and symptoms of dysphagia at mealtimes to identify residents at-risk of dysphagia. Ninety six percent of RLTCS reported referring residents with suspected dysphagia to speech and language therapy dysphagia services. A diagnosis of dysphagia was reported in 35.3% of residents. All participating RLTCS reported providing modified texture diets and fluids if residents had suspected dysphagia. The implementation of standardised and validated dysphagia screening protocols in RLTCS in the Republic of Ireland may be useful in supporting the identification of at-risk residents.

Correlation between voice intensity and swallowing function in subjects with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience reduced voice intensity and dysphagia. Organs related to voice production and swallowing are structurally and neurologically intertwined. Thus, instrumental voice assessment may be useful in identifying voice impairments that can show swallowing disorders. Timely assessment of swallowing disorders may prevent the occurrence of malnutrition, dehydration, pneumonia, and death. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between voice intensity and swallowing function in PD. METHODS: 30 participants with PD were recruited. Motor disability was evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III; voice intensity was assessed by PRAAT software during sustained /a/ and 1 min of monologue. The Penetration Aspiration Scale, the Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale, and the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale were used to assess swallowing during videofluoroscopy. Spearman correlation coefficients, logistic, and linear models were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Voice intensity correlated with swallowing: as voice intensity decreased, swallowing function deteriorated (Spearman coefficients from -0.42 to -0.72 across scales), and this holds even when adjusted for MDS-UPDRS motor scores. Swallowing impairment is 56 times more likely (p<0.01) when the voice intensity is below the normal cut-off score (60 dB) with a positive predictive value of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in voice intensity is indicative of a higher risk of swallowing dysfunction. Thus, an instrumental voice analysis seems to be a non-invasive, lowcost, easy-to-use tool to identify people with PD in need of an assessment to allow for timely swallowing management and reduction of complications caused by dysphagia.

Revealing Goal-Directed Neural Control of the Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing.

Swallowing is considered a three-phase mechanism involving the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases. The pharyngeal phase relies on highly coordinated movements in the pharynx and larynx to move food through the aerodigestive crossing. While the brainstem has been identified as the primary control center for the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, existing evidence suggests that the higher brain regions can contribute to controlling the pharyngeal phase of swallowing to match the motor response to the current context and task at hand. This suggests that the pharyngeal phase of swallowing cannot be exclusively reflexive or voluntary but can be regulated by the two neural controlling systems, goal-directed and non-goal-directed. This capability allows the pharyngeal phase of swallowing to adjust appropriately based on cognitive input, learned knowledge, and predictions. This paper reviews existing evidence and accordingly develops a novel perspective to explain these capabilities of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. This paper aims (1) to integrate and comprehend the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, (2) to explore the reflexive (non-goal-directed) and voluntary (goal-directed) neural systems of controlling the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, (3) to provide a clinical translation regarding the pathologies of these two systems, and (4) to highlight the existing gaps in this area that require attention in future research. This paper, in particular, aims to explore the complex neurophysiology of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, as its breakdown can lead to serious consequences such as aspiration pneumonia or death.

Molecular biomarkers of dysphagia targeted exercise induced neuroplasticity: A review of mechanistic processes and preliminary data on detraining effects.

While molecular adaptations accompanying neuroplasticity during physical exercises are well-established, little is known about adaptations during dysphagia-targeted exercises. This research article has two primary purposes. First, we aim to review the existing literature on the intersection between resistance (strength) training, molecular markers of neuroplasticity, and dysphagia rehabilitation. Specifically, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of two potential molecular markers: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in exercise-induced neuroplasticity. Second, we present preliminary data on the effects of two weeks of detraining on circulating serum BDNF, IGF-1 levels, and expiratory muscle strength. This subset is a part of our more extensive studies related to dysphagia-targeted resistance exercise and neuroplasticity. Five young adult males underwent four weeks of expiratory muscle strength training, followed by two weeks of detraining. We measured expiratory strength, circulating levels of BDNF, and IGF-1 at post-training and detraining conditions. Our results show that expiratory muscle strength, serum BDNF, and IGF-1 levels decreased after detraining; however, this effect was statistically significant only for serum BDNF levels. Oropharyngeal and upper airway musculature involved in swallowing undergoes similar adaptation patterns to skeletal muscles during physical exercise. To fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying the potential neuroplastic benefits of targeted exercise on swallowing functions, mechanistic studies (models) investigating neuroplasticity induced by exercises addressing dysphagia are critical. Such models would ensure that interventions effectively and efficiently achieve neuroplastic benefits and improve patient outcomes, ultimately advancing our understanding of dysphagia-targeted exercise-induced neuroplasticity.

Risk Model for Laryngeal Complications Prediction in Chinese PatientGBVs After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors of laryngeal symptoms and to develop an implementable risk prediction model for Chinese hospitalized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A total of 1476 Chinese CABG patients admitted to Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were included and then divided into a modeling cohort and a verification cohort. Univariate analysis was used to identify laryngeal symptoms risk factors, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to construct a prediction model for laryngeal symptoms after CABG. Discrimination and calibration of this model were validated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, respectively. RESULTS: The incidence of laryngeal symptoms in patients who underwent CABG was 6.48%. Four independent risk factors were included in the model, and the established aryngeal complications risk calculation formula was Logit (P) = -4.525 + 0.824 × female + 2.09 × body mass index < 18.5 Kg/m2 + 0.793 × transesophageal echocardiogram + 1.218 × intensive care unit intubation time. For laryngeal symptoms, the area under the ROC curve was 0.769 in the derivation cohort (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.698-0.840) and 0.811 in the validation cohort (95% CI: 0.742-0.879). According to the H-L test, the P-values in the modeling group and the verification group were 0.659 and 0.838, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prediction model developed in this study can be used to identify high-risk patients for laryngealsymptoms undergoing CABG, and help clinicians implement the follow-up treatment.

Swallowing during provision of helmet ventilation: Review and provisional multidisciplinary guidance.

Use of noninvasive ventilation provided by a helmet increased globally during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach may reduce need for intubation and its associated clinical complications in critically ill patients. Use of helmet interface minimizes virus aerosolization while enabling verbal communication, oral feeding and coughing/expectoration of secretions during its administration. Although improved oral hydration is a recognized benefit of helmet NIV, relatively little is known about the safety and efficiency of swallowing during helmet NIV. Risk of aspiration is a key consideration given the fragile pulmonary status of critically ill patients requiring respiratory support, and therefore the decision to initiate oral intake is best made based on multidisciplinary input. We reviewed the current published evidence on NIV and its effects on upper airway physiology and swallowing function. We then presented a case example demonstrating preservation of swallowing performance with helmet NIV. Last, we offer provisional multidisciplinary guidance for clinical practice, and provide directions for future research.

A protocol for stakeholder engagement in head and neck cancer pragmatic trials.

Meaningful engagement with stakeholders in research demands intentional approaches. This paper describes the development of a framework to guide stakeholder engagement as research partners in a pragmatic trial proposed to evaluate behavioral interventions for dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. We highlight the core principles of stakeholder engagement including representation of all perspectives, meaningful participation, respectful partnership with stakeholders, and accountability to stakeholders; and describe how these principles were operationalized to engage relevant stakeholders throughout the course of a large clinical trial.

Light-chain amyloidosis with dysphagia as the main symptom: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis is a relatively rare condition with a worldwide incidence of 5.1-12.8 cases per million person-years (Baker, 2022). It is characterized by a clonal population of immunoglobulin-secreting cells that produce a monoclonal light chain of κ or λ type as either an intact molecule or a fragment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old East Asian (Chinese) male patient who presented with progressive dysphagia visited multiple hospitals repeatedly for more than 2 years and was finally diagnosed with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngologists should consider immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis when encountering suspicious clinical manifestations and intervene early to avoid misdiagnosis.

Effects of Home-Based Daily Respiratory Muscle Training on Swallowing Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Stroke: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Swallowing disorders are common following a stroke. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a home-based daily intervention focused on inspiratory and expiratory muscle training on swallowing outcomes in patients with chronic stroke. (2) Methods: This manuscript presents the protocol of a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients with chronic stroke will be randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group will undergo daily home-based respiratory muscle training in addition to standard speech and language therapy, while the control group will receive only the standard intervention. The main outcome measures will include the aspiration risk, the strength of respiratory muscles, and peak cough flow. (3) Results: It is hypothesized that patients receiving home-based respiratory training in addition to standard therapy will achieve significant improvements in aspiration risk, respiratory muscle strength, and cough efficacy in comparison with those included in the control group. The results will be published as a manuscript. (4) Conclusions: This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of home-based respiratory muscle training in enhancing swallowing function and respiratory parameters in patients with chronic stroke.

Oral feeding practices in medically complex infants receiving prolonged high-flow nasal cannula support: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To characterise the feeding profile and care pathway for infants receiving prolonged high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) respiratory support for management of a chronic condition at one facility from January to December 2021. METHODS: Data regarding medical history, HFNC admission details (reason for HFNC, HFNC duration, flow rate), feeding outcomes and speech pathology care were collected from electronic records of HFNC-dependent infants (requiring HFNC ≥2-3 L/kg for ≥5 consecutive days). Infants with acute respiratory conditions (e.g. bronchiolitis) were excluded. RESULTS: This study included 24 participants (median corrected age at admission 5.3 weeks, range -6 to 18.6). Of these, 15 (60%) had a condition/s that affected more than one body system (e.g. congenital diaphragmatic hernia), requiring the care of multiple specialities. Median length of HFNC use was 37.5 days (range 11-188). Twenty (83.3%) infants were referred for speech pathology (SLP) input while on HFNC support. For those referred, frequency of SLP input was variable (0-3 sessions/week), and HFNC support requirements were the most common barrier to SLP intervention (n = 9, 45%). Twelve (54.5%) infants demonstrated improvement in their primary feeding method by discharge; however, only two (9.1%) infants were discharged on full oral feeds. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates variability in oral feeding management in infants with prolonged HFNC-dependence at our centre. Respiratory support with HFNC was identified as a barrier to progressing oral feeding. Further research is required to determine if oral feeding can be safely undertaken in this cohort. This is imperative to ensure that long-term feeding outcomes are not negatively impacted by current practice.

The Prevalence and Prognosis of Cachexia in Patients with Non-Sarcopenic Dysphagia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and prognosis of cachexia in patients with non-sarcopenic dysphagia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Japanese sarcopenic dysphagia database. Cachexia was diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Cachexia criteria, sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, and malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Outcomes were death, swallowing function (Food Intake LEVEL Scale (FILS)), and activities of daily living (Barthel Index (BI)). The mean age of the 175 non-sarcopenic dysphagia patients was 77 (±11) years; 103 (59%) were male, 30 (17%) had cachexia, 133 (76%) had whole-body sarcopenia, and 92 (53%) were malnourished. Of the 30 patients with cachexia, 4 and 11 did not have sarcopenia and malnutrition, respectively. No significant associations were found between cachexia, sarcopenia, and malnutrition. Death was notably higher in the cachexia group (5/30; 17% vs. 2/145; 1%, p = 0.002). Median FILS (7 vs. 8, p = 0.585) and median BI (35 vs. 50, p = 0.469) scores did not show significant differences based on cachexia status. The prevalence of cachexia was 17%, and mortality may be higher with cachexia in non-sarcopenic dysphagia patients.

Profile of oropharyngeal swallowing in healthy Brazilian adults and older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the findings of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES) in asymptomatic young and older adults, comparing results across different age groups. Additionally, this study aims to test the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) as an instrument to identify dysphagia risk. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted on a sample of individuals aged 20 and above, asymptomatic for dysphagia, stratified by age groups. The EAT-10 questionnaire was completed, and the FEES was employed to assess oropharyngeal swallowing function. Various parameters, including salivary stasis, swallowing reflex trigger, swallowing sequence, residue, penetration, and aspiration were blindly analyzed by two otolaryngologists. RESULTS: A total of 184 participants were included, with a mean age of 44.7 ±â€¯18.5 years. There was good to excellent agreement between examiners for FEES parameters. The EAT-10 score ≥3 suggested dysphagia risk in 7.6% (n = 14) of the sample, with no association with age or any FEES parameter. Individuals aged ≥80 years presented more residue (50%; n = 5/10) compared to younger individuals (11.5%; n = 20/174; p =  0.039). Salivary stasis was found exclusively in individuals aged ≥60 years (n = 5/39; 12.8%; p = 0.027). Age did not influence on the swallowing reflex trigger, swallowing sequence, penetration, and aspiration. Penetration was observed in 4.9% (n = 9) of subjects and aspiration occurred in 0.5% (n = 1) of subjects, with no statistical significance in age groups. CONCLUSION: Age does not have a linear influence on swallowing in healthy adults and elderly people. However, individuals aged ≥80 years showed a higher prevalence of residue, and individuals aged ≥60 years showed a higher prevalence of salivary stasis, suggesting an increased risk or presence of dysphagia. Other FEES parameters were not influenced by age. These findings provide valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of swallowing across different age groups, emphasizing the importance of age-specific considerations in dysphagia assessment.

Comparison of sEMG activity of submental muscles between the head-lift exercise, tongue-press exercise and the head extension tongue-press exercise in healthy young adults.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing is a complex function that requires precise coordination between different muscles. Weakness in submental muscles can lead to complications such as pharyngeal residue and aspiration. Therefore, exercise interventions targeting these muscles, such as the Head-Lift Exercise (HLE), are clinically important but pose challenges. OBJECTIVE(S): This study aimed to compare the myoelectric activity of submental muscles during traditional Head-Lift Exercise (HLE), Tongue-Press Exercise (TPE) and Head Extension Tongue-Press Exercise (HETPE), providing potential alternatives to HLE. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers (22 females and 8 males, mean age 25.63 ± 5.27 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded activity of the submental muscles bilaterally during HLE, TPE and HETPE. Participants performed each manoeuvre for 14 s, repeated three times in a counterbalanced order. Statistical analyses assessed differences in mean, maximum and median frequency of the sEMG signals among manoeuvres using repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). The experienced irritation levels by participants during manoeuvres were also compared by the Friedman test. RESULTS: HETPE exhibited significantly higher maximum sEMG activity compared to HLE and TPE (p < .05). Mean sEMG activity was significantly increased during HETPE compared to TPE. Median frequency was significantly lower during HETPE compared to the two other exercises, indicating greater muscle fatigue. Participants reported similar levels of irritation for HLE and HETPE, and significantly lower levels during TPE. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that HETPE is effective in activating and strengthening submental muscles, potentially serving as a viable alternative to HLE without added difficulty. Further research is recommended to assess the long-term impacts on swallowing physiology in patients with dysphagia.

Orthodontic treatment in patients with atypical swallowing and malocclusion: a systematic review.

This review aimed to analyze the correlation between atypical swallowing and malocclusions and how this dysfunction can be treated. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed to conduct this systematic review, and the protocol was registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the CRD42024499707. A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to find papers that discussed myofunctional and orthodontic treatment for patients with atypical swallowing and malocclusion from 01 January 2003 to 27 November 2023. The search yielded 2554 articles, of which only 12 records were selected for qualitative analysis. The analysis of these articles revealed that orofacial myofunctional therapy, criab appliance, Habit corrector™, and soft tongue restrainers are potential therapies for treating atypical swallowing and malocclusions. The tongue's position affects muscle behavior, leading to malocclusions that can be treated with various therapies, resulting in effective clinical outcomes. However, more research is required to delve deeper into the topic.

Measurement of respiratory-swallowing coordination using an oronasal facemask in healthy individuals.

Respiratory-swallowing coordination (RSC) is well established as an essential airway-protective mechanism. Previous studies have used nasal airflow and/or kinematic rib cage and abdominal measures to assess respiration surrounding swallowing, meaning that the direct influence of oral respiration on RSC remains unknown. This study used a partitioned oronasal facemask to compare respiratory phase patterns measured using isolated nasal airflow with those measured using combined oronasal airflow during non-ingestive and ingestive swallowing tasks. Twenty-four healthy individuals with no respiratory or swallowing disorders were assessed at rest and during cued dry, 10 mL water, continuous drinking and cracker swallowing tasks. Respiratory phase patterns were determined for discrete swallows using the nasal and combined oronasal channels separately. There was variable agreement between respiratory phase patterns according to the nasal and oronasal channels across swallowing conditions. The frequency of exhale-swallow-exhale, inhale-swallow-exhale and exhale-swallow-inhale patterns increased by 2%-3% each with the addition of oral flow data to nasal data, whereas the prevalence of inhale-swallow-inhale and ambiguous patterns decreased. This suggests that estimates of respiratory phase patterns are altered minimally by inclusion of oral respiratory estimates in a healthy sample. There were several additional findings of note, including lower within-participant, within-session trial consistency (test-retest reliability) than expected, suggesting high variability in respiratory phase patterns across trials. Additionally, data showed evidence of swallowing non-respiratory flow at the beginning and end of the respiratory-swallowing pause, moving in both inward and outward directions, potentially expanding current understanding of swallowing non-respiratory flow. Further in-depth physiological investigations are required to improve understanding of these findings.