EFFECTS OF 2 BREATH-HOLDING MANEUVERS ON OROPHARYNGEAL SWALLOW

This study quantified the effects of the supraglottic maneuver (SGM) a nd super supraglottic maneuver (SSGM) on laryngeal and pharyngeal move ments before and during Swallow. Simultaneous videofluoroscopic and vi deoendoscopic examinations of oropharyngeal swallowing were performed in eight healthy volunteers with and without maneuvers. Data analysis compared 1) temporal relationships of oropharyngeal events, 2) airway conditions at the time of selected oropharyngeal events, and 3) biomec hanical computer analysis of swallowing events. Using these maneuvers, normal subjects produced earlier cricopharyngeal opening, prolonged p haryngeal swallow, some degree of laryngeal valving before swallow, an d change in extent of vertical laryngeal position before swallow. Thes e changes are more successful and maintained longer with the SSGM than the SGM. We concluded that breath-holding maneuvers alter not only ai rway conditions before swallow but also both the temporal relationship s and biomechanical events during oropharyngeal swallow.