Manometric measures of head rotation and chin tuck in healthy participants

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of partial versus complete head rotation and chin tuck on pharyngeal swallowing pressures and durations in the pharynx and UES of normal, healthy adults. Ten individuals (3 men and 7 women; age range 54-76 years) served as participants. Solid-state intraluminal manometry was performed with the participants in the upright position while performing swallows with the head in the normal position, head rotated (partial and complete), chin tucked, and chin down. A cervical range of motion (CROM) inclinometer was used to accurately measure the degree of head rotation and chin tuck. The CROM inclinometer has not been used before so this is the first study to our knowledge to quantify degree of head rotation and chin tuck. Manometric data derived from these healthy participants indicate both partial and complete head rotations can increase the duration of UES relaxation and decrease UES residual pressure. Chin tuck may be effective in increasing durations in the upper pharynx. Partial chin tuck (chin down) decreases UES residual pressure. Complete head rotation and chin tuck provide more overall benefit than partial maneuvers. However, for patients with limited head and neck mobility, partial posture changes impact the pharynx in similar ways and may provide clinically meaningful benefits. Additional research on patient populations is warranted.