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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Influence of orofacial dysfunctions on spatial and temporal dimensions of swallowing movements
Hansjörg Horn1, Kerstin Kühnast, Detlef Axmann-Krcmar
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Tübingen, Germany. hansjoerg.horn@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Background And Aim:
Tongue dysfunctions are of etiologic significance for the development of malocclusions and speech disorders. Electromagnetic articulography is a means of recording orofacial movements. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze differences in the spatial and temporal sequence of swallowing movements under the influence of lip and tongue dysfunctions in order to develop new means of objectifying the diagnosis of such a dysfunction.
Patients And Method:
Thirty-one subjects were monitored during reflex swallowing and while swallowing 20 ml of water. All probands also underwent evaluation by a speech pathologist as well as palatography. The entire cohort was then divided into a viscerally and a somatically swallowing group, and the movement sequences were analyzed with reference to spatial and temporal parameters.
Results:
The temporal parameters revealed fewer significant differences than the spatial parameters. Most differences were recorded for the section between palate separation point and end of swallowing. Specific spatial or temporal variables revealing a maximum number of differences between the two groups were found for each tongue region. Swallowing water revealed notably more significant intergroup differences. The most suitable variables during the swallowing of water were the maximum distance of tongue-palate contact and the distance or time interval between palate separation point and end of swallowing.
Conclusion:
The analysis of swallowing movements by electromagnetic articulography offers opportunities to evaluate tongue dysfunctions. The most suitable combination of variables was found for each of the regions investigated. Spatial analysis of the movement pattern seems to be the most reliable method.
