稲本 陽子

The super-supraglottic swallow (SSGS) improves laryngeal closure, and head flexion compensates for inadequate closure of the airway. These two procedures are typically utilized by speech-language pathologists for specific patient populations. This study compared the effect of the SSGS with head flexion (i.e., modified SSGS [mSSGS]) on laryngeal closure with that of usual swallowing and the SSGS in healthy individuals. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were instructed to swallow 4 ml of thin liquid barium in a sitting position during usual swallowing, SSGS, and mSSGS under X-ray fluoroscopy. The primary outcome was the distance between the epiglottis and arytenoid (DEA) at onset of the swallowing reflex. The secondary outcomes were DEA before onset of the swallowing reflex, the head flexion angle before and at onset of the swallowing reflex, and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score. The relative ease of performing the mSSGS compared with the SSGS was evaluated using a 7-point Likert scale. DEA at onset of the swallowing reflex was significantly shorter with mSSGS than with usual swallowing (P < 0.001) or the SSGS (P = 0.006). DEA before swallowing was also significantly shorter with the mSSGS than with usual swallowing (P < 0.001) and the SSGS (P = 0.006). PAS score was 1 in all trials. The median Likert score was 3, indicating that the SSGS was easier than the mSSGS. The findings suggest that the mSSGS maneuver enhances laryngeal closure more than the SSGS maneuver and usual swallowing.

This study aimed to establish reference values for quantitative measurements of pharyngeal volume and residue during swallowing in healthy individuals and to examine how these measurements are influenced by age, sex, height, and bolus properties. We performed a retrospective analysis of 288 swallows from 135 healthy Japanese adults (median age, 43 years; height, 163 cm) who underwent Swallowing CT. Test boluses included thin or extremely thick liquids in either 3 mL, 10 mL, or 20 mL amounts. Pharyngeal cavity volume at bolus hold (PVHOLD), unobliterated air and bolus volume at maximum pharyngeal constriction (PVMAX), and pharyngeal volume constriction ratio (PVCR), and post-swallow pharyngeal residue were measured on dynamic 3D-CT images using a semi-automated software. We determined the 2.5th, 50th, 97.5th percentile values to obtain normative reference values for each parameter and made generalized linear regression models to determine how these volume measurements are associated with demographic factors and bolus properties. Normative values (median [97.5th percentile]) across all swallows were PVHOLD 20.9 cm3 [38.6 cm3], PVMAX 0.3 cm3 [2.1 cm3], PVCR 98.8% [2.5th percentile 89.1%], and residue 0 cm3 [0.4 cm3]. Males exhibited larger values than females. PVHOLD significantly increased with height (β = 0.465, p < 0.001) and age (β = 0.068, p = 0.001), while PVMAX and PVCR increased with larger bolus volumes (β = 0.293, p = 0.005) and in thicker consistencies (β = 0.376, p = 0.017). Pharyngeal residue was present in 98/288 (34.0%) of swallows and was significantly associated with increasing bolus volume (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.865 [95% confidence interval: 1.275-2.727]), age (aOR = 1.025 [1.010-1.040]), thicker bolus (aOR = 1.806 [1.275-2.727]). Each 1 cm2 increase in PVMAX was associated with nearly double the odds of residue (aOR = 1.86 [1.202-2.862]). Similarly, each 1% decrease in PVCR corresponded to a 10.6% increase in the odds of residue (aOR = 1.106 [1.015-1.295]). These normative data provide a bases for comparing individuals with or without pharyngeal impairments.

This study aimed to determine the impact of bolus volume on UES opening. Twenty-two healthy subjects (10 males and 12 females, 23-45 years) underwent a CT scan while swallowing 3-, 10-, and 20 ml of thin liquid. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) cross-sectional area and hyoid and laryngeal displacement were measured at every frame across three conditions. The timing of UES opening onset, UES maximum opening, and duration of UES opening were also measured. With increasing bolus volume, the UES maximum opening area increased, at the UES opening onset, at the UES maximum opening was earlier, and the duration of the UES opening prolonged. The maximum displacement of the hyoid and larynx was significantly more anteriorly and higher with a large bolus volume. However, the hyoid displacement at the timing of UES maximum opening did not change across three bolus volumes. This result suggests that the increase in the UES maximum opening area with increasing bolus volume was modulated by the bolus itself rather than by the hyoid movement.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia significantly impacts prognosis in individuals with multiple system atrophy (MSA). While video-based assessments are practical, their limited availability highlights the need for a simple tool such as the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS) in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of the DSS in assessing dysphagia in MSA patients and its correlations with clinical indices. METHODS: We examined 43 MSA patients using the DSS and other clinical measures, including the Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS) and cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels. As a follow-up, 11 of 43 patients underwent a secondary DSS evaluation. Spearman's correlation and linear mixed models were used to analyze cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships. RESULTS: DSS scores were significantly correlated with UMSARS Parts 1, 2, and 4, as well as disease duration and blood pressure changes. This indicates that the DSS is sensitive to MSA-related motor and autonomic dysfunctions, and that the DSS could provide a more detailed assessment of swallowing function compared with the UMSARS Part 1 swallowing subscore. Additionally, DSS score was correlated with cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels. Our longitudinal analysis further supported the role of DSS score as a reliable marker of dysphagia progression over time. CONCLUSIONS: The DSS is a sensitive and practical tool for evaluating dysphagia. Thus, combining the DSS and UMSARS could improve dysphagia monitoring in individuals with MSA. Our data support the use of the DSS as a valuable clinical and research tool in MSA management.

BACKGROUND: Upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) serves as an important anatomical and functional landmark during swallowing. However, the precise UES location before and during swallowing has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) location and displacement during swallowing accounting for sex, age, and height in healthy adults using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT). METHODS: Ninety-four healthy adults (43 males; 22-90 years) underwent 320-ADCT scanning while swallowing one trial of 10 mL honey thick barium. UES location at bolus hold and at maximum displacement and vertical displacement during swallowing were identified using the coordinates and the section classification of vertebrae (VERT scale). The differences and correlations of UES location and distance in terms of sex, age, and height were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: UES locations at bolus hold and at maximum displacement were significantly lower and UES vertical displacement was significantly larger in males than in females (p < .001). UES location at bolus hold became lower with increasing age (r = -.312, p = .002), but the negative correlation was low at maximum displacement (r = -.230, p = .026), resulting in larger vertical distance with ageing. UES locations showed high negative correlation at bolus hold with height (r = -.715, p < .001), and showed moderate negative correlation at maximum displacement with height (r = -.555, p < .001), although this effect was unclear when analysed by sex. CONCLUSION: Males showed lower UES location and larger displacement than females. The impact of age was evident with lower location before swallowing and larger displacement during swallowing. Differences observed by sex were not completely explained by using the VERT scale to adjust for height.

This study evaluated the validity of pharyngeal 2D area measurements acquired from the lateral view for predicting the actual 3D volume in healthy adults during swallowing. Seventy-five healthy adults (39 females, 36 males; mean age 51.3 years) were examined using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT). All participants swallowed a 10 mL honey-thick barium bolus upon command while seated in a 45° semi-reclining position. Multi-planar reconstruction images and dynamic 3D-CT images were obtained using Aquilion ONE software. Pharyngeal 2D area and 3D volume measurements were taken before swallowing and at the frame depicting maximum pharyngeal constriction. Pharyngeal volume before swallowing (PVhold) was accurately predicted by 2D area (R2 = 0.816). Adding height and sex to the model increased R2 to 0.836. Regarding pharyngeal volume during maximum constriction (PVmax), 2D area also exhibited acceptable predictive power (R2 = 0.777). However, analysis of statistical residuals and outliers revealed a greater tendency for prediction errors when there is less complete constriction of the pharynx as well as asymmetry in bolus flow or movement. Findings highlight the importance of routinely incorporating anterior-posterior views during VFSS exams. Future work is needed to determine clinical utility of pharyngeal volume measurements derived from 320-ADCT.

BACKGROUND: There is an extensive library of language tests, each with excellent psychometric properties; however, many of the tests available take considerable administration time, possibly bearing psychological strain on patients. The Short and Tailored Evaluation of Language Ability (STELA) is a simplified, tablet-based language ability assessment system developed to address this issue, with a reduced number of items and automated testing process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to assess the administration time, internal consistency, and validity of the STELA. METHODS: The STELA consists of a tablet app, a microphone, and an input keypad for clinician's use. The system is designed to assess language ability with 52 questions grouped into 2 comprehension modalities (auditory comprehension and reading comprehension) and 3 expression modalities (naming and sentence formation, repetition, and reading aloud). Performance in each modality was scored as the correct answer rate (0-100), and overall performance expressed as the sum of modality scores (out of 500 points). RESULTS: The time taken to complete the STELA was significantly less than the time for the WAB (mean 16.2, SD 9.4 vs mean 149.3, SD 64.1 minutes; P<.001). The STELA's total score was strongly correlated with the WAB Aphasia Quotient (r=0.93, P<.001), supporting the former's concurrent validity concerning the WAB, which is a gold-standard aphasia assessment. Strong correlations were also observed at the subscale level; STELA auditory comprehension versus WAB auditory comprehension (r=0.75, P<.001), STELA repetition versus WAB repetition (r=0.96, P<.001), STELA naming and sentence formation versus WAB naming and word finding (r=0.81, P<.001), and the sum of STELA reading comprehension or reading aloud versus WAB reading (r=0.82, P<.001). Cronbach α obtained for each modality was .862 for auditory comprehension, .872 for reading comprehension, .902 for naming and sentence formation, .787 for repetition, and .892 for reading aloud. Global Cronbach α was .961. The average of the values of item-total correlation to each subscale was 0.61 (SD 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed significant time reduction in the assessment of language ability and provided evidence for good internal consistency and validity of the STELA tablet-based aphasia assessment system.

Objectives: Hyolaryngeal movement during swallowing is essential to airway protection and bolus clearance. Although palpation is widely used to evaluate hyolaryngeal motion, insufficient accuracy has been reported. The Bando Stretchable Strain Sensor for Swallowing (B4S™) was developed to capture hyolaryngeal elevation and display it as waveforms. This study compared laryngeal movement time detected by the B4S™ with laryngeal movement time measured by videofluoroscopy (VF). Methods: Participants were 20 patients without swallowing difficulty (10 men, 10 women; age 30.6 ± 7.1 years). The B4S™ was attached to the anterior neck and two saliva swallows were measured on VF images to determine the relative and absolute reliability of laryngeal elevation time measured on VF and that measured by the B4S™. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient of the VF and B4S™ times was very high [ICC (1.1) = 0.980]. A Bland-Altman plot showed a strong positive correlation with a 95% confidence interval of 0.00-3.01 for the mean VF time and mean B4S™ time, with a fixed error detected in the positive direction but with no proportional error detected. Thus, the VF and B4S™ time measurements showed high consistency. Conclusion: The strong relative and absolute reliability suggest that the B4S™ can accurately detect the duration of superior-inferior laryngeal motion during swallowing. Further study is needed to develop a method for measuring the distance of laryngeal elevation. It is also necessary to investigate the usefulness of this device for evaluation and treatment in clinical settings.

BACKGROUND: The chin-down posture is often used as a compensatory manoeuvre for patients with dysphagia. This posture presumably involves flexion of the head and/or neck, but this is not clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of head flexion posture in a retrospective study of videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF). METHODS: A total of 73 patients who underwent VF both with and without head flexion posture in the lateral projection were included in the analysis. The head and neck angles at the initiation of the swallowing reflex, penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), nasopharyngeal closure time, stage transition duration, duration of laryngeal closure, time from swallowing reflex to laryngeal closure and to the opening of upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), duration of UES opening, location of the bolus leading edge at swallowing reflex, and bolus transition time were evaluated. RESULTS: The head flexion angle increased (p < 0.001), but the neck flexion angle did not change in the head flexion posture. Moreover, PAS improved (p < 0.001), aspiration was reduced (p < 0.001), the time between the swallowing reflex and the onset of laryngeal closure was shortened (p = 0.006), and the leading edge of the bolus at swallowing reflex became shallower (p = 0.004) in the head flexion posture. Other parameters did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: The head flexion posture resulted in earlier laryngeal closure and a shallower position of the leading bolus edge at swallowing reflex, resulting in PAS improvement and decreased aspiration.

The previous studies reported that different volumes of thick liquid had an impact on spatiotemporal characteristics and pharyngeal response of swallowing. However, the bolus flow and swallowing motion pattern were different between thick and thin liquids. The effects of thin bolus volume on pharyngeal swallowing, especially true vocal cord (TVC) closure is still unclear. This study assessed the temporal characteristics when swallowing different volumes of thin liquid to determine the mechanical adaptation using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT) and investigated a change of swallowing physiology including laryngeal closure, particularly TVC closure. Fourteen healthy women (28-45 years) underwent 320-ADCT while swallowing of 3, 10, and 20 ml of thin liquid barium in 45° semi-reclining position. Kinematic analysis was performed for each swallow including temporal characteristic, structural movements while swallowing, and maximal cross-sectional area of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening. Bolus head reached to pharynx and esophagus earlier in larger volume significantly, indicating faster bolus transport as volume increased. There were significant effects on swallowing mechanism revealing earlier TVC closure and UES opening with increasing volume. Maximum cross-sectional area of the UES opening was increased to accommodate a larger bolus. Differences in mechanical adaptation through bolus transit and motion of swallowing structures were detected across increasing volumes. These volume-dependent adaptations potentially reduce the risk of aspiration. Understanding the swallowing physiological changes as volume increased is helpful for diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia patients as well as outcomes of swallowing rehabilitation in clinical practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of the tongue-hold swallow (THS) on the pharyngeal wall by quantifying posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) anterior bulge during the THS. In addition, the effect of tongue protrusion length on the extent of pharyngeal wall anterior bulge was analysed. METHODS: Thirteen healthy subjects (6 males and 7 females, 23-43 years) underwent 320-row area detector CT during saliva swallow (SS) and THS at two tongue protrusion lengths (THS1 protrude the tongue as much as 1/3 of premeasured maximum tongue protrusion length (MTP-L) and THS2 protrude the tongue as much as 2/3 of MTP-L). To acquire images of the pharynx at rest, single-phase volume scanning was performed three times during usual breathing with no tongue protrusion (rest), protrusion of the tongue at 1/3 of MTP-L (rTHS1) and protrusion of the tongue at 2/3 of MTP-L (rTHS2). Length from cervical spine to PPW (PPW-AP) and the volume of pharyngeal cavity was measured and was compared between rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 and between SS, THS1 and THS2. Correlation between MTP-L and PPW-AP was calculated in three conditions, SS, THS1 and THS2. RESULTS: PPW-AP at rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 was 2.9 ± 0.6 mm, 3.0 ± 0.5 mm and 3.0 ± 0.5 mm, respectively, showing no significant differences across swallows. PPW-AP at the maximum pharyngeal constriction was 8.1 ± 2.0 mm, 9.1 ± 2.4 mm and 8.7 ± 2.0 mm in SS, THS1 and THS2, respectively. Compared to SS, PPW-AP in THS1 was significantly larger (p = 0.04) and PPW-AP in THS2 was not significantly different (p = 0.09). Pharyngeal volume at rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 was 16.4 ± 5.2 mm3 , 18.4 ± 4.5 mm3 and 21.3 ± 6.2 mm3 , respectively. It was significantly larger during rTHS2 compared with rest or rTHS1 (rTHS2-rest p = 0.007, rTHS2-rTHS1 p = 0.007). Pharyngeal volume was completely obliterated (zero volume) at maximum pharyngeal contraction in all except one subject. There was no correlation between MTP-L and PPW-AP in any of the three conditions (SS, THS1 and THS2). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that the expanded pharyngeal cavity due to the tongue protrusion was completely obliterated by the increase in anterior motion of pharyngeal wall during THS. It also became clear that the degree of tongue protrusion did not linearly correlate with the movement of PPW during THS. There was no relationship between PPW motion and the MTP-L, suggesting that the effect of tongue protrusion is better determined in each subject by analysing the motion of PPW using imaging tools.

Tongue-hold swallow (THS) is a swallow exercise in which an individual swallows saliva while holding the anterior portion of the tongue between the front teeth. The effect of THS on pharyngeal contractile vigor is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify THS using high-resolution manometry with a contractile integral analysis. Twenty-two healthy participants performed three different saliva swallow tasks: normal swallow, weak THS (in which the tongue was protruded 1 cm outside the upper incisors), and strong THS (in which the tongue was protruded 2 cm outside the upper incisors). The participants repeated each task twice randomly. Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter metrics, including the pharyngeal contractile integral, were analyzed. Both weak and strong THS enhanced the velopharyngeal contractile integral and peak pressure compared with normal swallow (P < 0.01). THS also prolonged mesopharyngeal contraction (P < 0.01). Holding the tongue anteriorly during swallow requires significant biomechanical changes to pharyngeal contractile properties at the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor levels; thus, it may serve as a resistance exercise for the muscles that are involved in bolus propulsion.

ABSTRACT: Dysphagia is the difficulty in swallowing because of the presence of certain diseases; it particularly compromises the oral and/or pharyngeal stages. In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, neuromuscular complications, prolonged bed rest, and endotracheal intubation target different levels of the swallowing network. Thus, critically ill patients are prone to dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. In this review, we first discuss the possible cause and pathophysiology underlying dysphagia associated with coronavirus disease 2019, including cerebrovascular events, such as stroke, encephalomyelitis, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and myositis, that may lead to the dysphagia reported as a complication associated with the coronavirus disease 2019. Next, we present some recommendations for dysphagia evaluation with modifications that would allow a safe and comprehensive assessment based on available evidence to date, including critical considerations of the appropriate use of personal protective equipment and optimization individual's noninstrumental swallowing tasks evaluation, while preserving instrumental assessments for urgent cases only. Finally, we discuss a practical managing strategy for dysphagia rehabilitation to ensure safe and efficient practice in the risks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exposure, in which swallowing therapy using newer technology, such as telerehabilitation system or wearable device, would be considered as a useful option.

Objective: To elucidate the characteristics of recovery progression during long-term rehabilitation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Methods: Longitudinal changes in consciousness, swallowing disorders, activities of daily living, and psychological and behavioural status were studied in 7 patients with moderateto-severe traumatic brain injury, using scores of the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victim's Aid (NASVA score), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), Eating Status Scale (ESS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Cognitive-related Behavioural Assessment (CBA), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Scores were collected every month until discharge (median 359 days after injury), or until the study end date for those patients who remained hospitalized (432 days). Results: Patients were qualitatively classified into those who improved well in the early phase, in terms of consciousness, swallowing, and activities of daily living, and those with less or delayed improvement. Psychological and behavioural difficulties appeared to remain less improved than the other functions for longer periods in many patients. Statistical comparisons that included all 7 patients revealed a significant improvement in NASVA score, GCS, DSS, and ESS, but not in FIM, CBA, and NPI at discharge/at the last measurement compared with scores at admission. CONCLUSION: Swallowing function is more responsive to long-term rehabilitation in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, while neuropsychiatric and behavioural difficulties tend to persist for longer periods.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of bolus consistency on pharyngeal volume during swallowing using three-dimensional kinematic analysis. METHODS: Eight subjects (2 males and 6 females, mean ± SD 44 ± 10 years old) underwent a 320-row area detector scan during swallows of 10 mL of honey-thick liquid and thin liquid. Critical event timing (hyoid, soft palate, UES) and volume of pharyngeal cavity and bolus were measured and compared between two swallows. RESULTS: The pharynx is almost completely obliterated by pharyngeal constriction against the tongue base for both consistencies. There were no significant differences in maximum volume, minimum volume and pharyngeal volume constriction ratio values between thick and thin liquids. However, the pattern of pharyngeal volume change (decrease) was different. For thick liquids, the air volume started to decrease before the onset of hyoid anterosuperior movement and decreased rapidly after onset of hyoid anterosuperior movement. During thin liquid swallowing, air volume remained relatively large throughout the swallow and started to decrease later when compared to swallowing thick liquids. At onset of UES opening, the bolus volume was not significantly different between thin and thick liquids; however, air volume was significantly larger when swallowing thin liquids, which made the total volume of the pharyngeal cavity larger. CONCLUSION: This difference between the two consistencies is associated with differences in tongue motion to propel the bolus and clear the pharynx from possible residue.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common problem in patients with a history of stroke. In Japan, a reclined position is commonly used as a compensatory technique to address this problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of reclined position on swallowing function in patients with stroke who had dysphagia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF) of 4ml honey-thick liquid swallows collected over 9 years. Penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) and residue scores were compared for the following: a body position at 90° upright (90°U) and 60° reclining (60°R) groups, as well as 60°R and 45° reclining (45°R) groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and five records from 98 subjects were reviewed. These included patients with ischaemic stroke (62%), haemorrhagic stroke (32%) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (6%). PAS scores were lower when the body was in a more reclined position (P < .001). The amount of residue in the valleculae and pyriform sinus also reduced in the more reclined position (P < .001). The deeper bolus head at swallowing onset was positively correlated with severe PAS (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in patients with stroke who had dysphagia, a reclined position may be useful in reducing the risk of penetration and aspiration, and in decreasing the amount of residue in the pharyngeal area. The depth of the bolus head at the onset of swallowing increases the severity of penetration and aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: Head lift exercise is a widely known form of training in the rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia. This study aimed to compare muscular strength reinforcement training of the suprahyoid muscles using repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) with head lift exercises in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adults were randomly assigned to either the magnetic stimulation group (M group) or the head lift exercise group (H group). Both groups underwent training five days a week for two weeks. The primary outcome was the cervical flexor strength, and secondary outcomes were jaw-opening force, tongue pressure, muscle fatigue of the hyoid and laryngeal muscles, displacement of the hyoid bone and opening width of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) while swallowing 10 mL of liquid, training performance rate, and pain. RESULTS: No dropouts were reported during the two-week intervention period. Cervical flexor strength significantly increased solely in the M group. Tongue pressure significantly improved in both groups. There were no significant differences in the jaw-opening force, median frequency rate of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, sternohyoid muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, anterior and superior hyoid bone displacement, and UES opening width in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Two-week rPMS of the suprahyoid muscles increased the strength of these muscles compared with the head lift exercise during the same period.

Swallowing disorder or dysphagia is quite common in hospitalised patients. Using fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is one of the clinical standards for evaluating swallowing disorder to prevent serious consequences such as aspiration pneumonia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the associated risk of dysphagia in hospitalised patients by using FEES finding. We retrospectively analysed the FEES records from the patients who were screened and suspected of swallowing problems by a certified nurse of dysphagia nursing (CNDN). The FEES findings were compared between dysphagia and without dysphagia to evaluate the associated risk of dysphagia. Six-hundred and nine FEES records were analysed. We found dysphagia 76% in patients who suspected swallowing problems by CNDN. FEES was assessed after the subjects had been admitted for 22 days on average. There was no difference in age between dysphagia and without dysphagia participants. However, the advanced age (age > 85 years old) increased the odd of dysphagia 1.18, P = .03. The primary disease of the subjects was mainly cerebrovascular disease (24%) and pneumonia (22%). Abnormal FEES findings including soft palate elevation, velopharyngeal contraction, whiteout, volitional cough, glottis closure during breath holding, cough reflex and presence of secretion in pharynx were found in hospitalised patients with dysphagia. The prevalence of dysphagia was high in hospitalised patients. Hence, screening the swallowing problem by nurse and FEES evaluation is essential to detect and prevent the complication in the patient who has dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: The "chin-down" posture involves tucking the chin to the neck. However, clinicians and researchers have their own forms of the chin-down posture: some consider it to be head and neck flexion, whereas others consider it to be head flexion alone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of head, neck and combined head-and-neck flexion postures separately. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers participated in the study. The head and neck were set in neutral (N), head flexion (HF), neck flexion (NF) or combined head-and-neck flexion (HFNF) positions. Participants were instructed to swallow 4 ml of thick barium liquid in an upright sitting position. Head and neck angles at rest, distances in the pharynx and larynx at rest, and duration of swallowing were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with a paired t-test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Head angles in HF, NF and HFNF positions were significantly greater than in the N position. Neck angles were significantly greater in the NF position than in the N position. The distance between the tongue base and the posterior pharyngeal wall, the vallecular space and the airway entrance were smaller in the HF position than in the N position. The tongue base was in contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall longer in the HF position than in the N position. CONCLUSION: Because HF, NF and HFNF positions have different effects, we recommend the use of these terms instead of "chin-down position."

This study used 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT) to determine whether kinematic swallowing events and bolus movement through the oropharynx are affected by bolus consistency and angle of recline. Fourteen healthy adults (4 men, 10 women; age, 22-90 years) underwent 320-ADCT assessment during three 10-mL barium swallow tests, with honey-thick liquid at 60° recline (60°thick), thin liquid at 60° recline (60°thin), and thin liquid at 45° recline (45°thin). The times of swallowing events were measured and compared among the different tests. Bolus propulsion, onset time of true vocal cord (TVC) closure, and upper esophageal sphincter opening were significantly earlier for 60°thin than for 60°thick. Onset time did not significantly differ between 60°thin and 45°thin; however, greater variability was noted for onset of TVC closure with 45°thin, as the TVC started to close before onset of swallowing in 30% of participants. Modulation of TVC closure depends on bolus transport in different reclining positions. The 45° reclining position elicited pre-swallow TVC closure in some participants, which suggests that excessive recline can increase perceived risk of airway invasion during swallowing.