Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
The effects of cranio-cervical flexion on activation of swallowing-related muscles
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Woosong University, Daejeon, Korea. parksoohyun@yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract:
We tested the effects of cranio-cervical flexion (CCF) on activation of swallowing-related muscles while swallowing liquid in a sample of 45 healthy volunteers. Activation following CCF movement was examined across two positions (supine and sitting) and, three pressure levels and two different postures were examined in each condition, respectively. When CCF was applied, activation of swallowing-related muscles was significantly increased compared to the neutral neck position, and such findings were found across both the supine and sitting positions. Also in the supine position, when the pressure level of the stabilizer was escalated, there was a significant difference in the activity of the swallowing-related muscles compared to the baseline level. In conclusion, our results suggest that CCF may be a viable method to enhance the effectiveness of swallowing-related muscles by changing neck position. When CCF is applied, the stability of the deep flexor muscles must be secured first after which superficially located muscles may better assist swallowing with less effort.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Muscles for Facial Expressions
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Deglutition
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...