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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
The relationship between biomechanics of pharyngoesophageal segment and tracheoesophageal phonation
Teng Zhang1, Ian Cook2, Michał Szczęśniak2
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between biomechanical features of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment, acoustic characteristics of tracheoesophageal (TE) phonation, and patients' satisfaction with TE phonation. Fifteen patients using TE phonation after total laryngectomy completed the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) and underwent acoustic voice analysis for cepstral peak prominence (CPP) and relative intensity. High resolution manometry (HRM) combined with videofluoroscopy was used to evaluate PE segment pressure and calculate the pressure gradient (ΔP), which was the pressure difference between the upper oesophagus and a point two centimetres above the vibrating PE segment. The upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) minimal diameters were measured by Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP). HRM detected rapid pressure changes at the level of the 4th - 6th cervical vertebra. CPP, relative intensity, and ΔP were significant predictors of satisfactory TE phonation. ΔP was a significant predictor of CPP and intensity. Minimal UOS diameter was a significant predictor of relative intensity of TE phonation. In two patients with unsuccessful TE phonation, endoscopic dilatation subsequently restored TE phonation. These findings suggest that sufficient ΔP and large UOS diameter are required for satisfactory TE phonation. Endoscopic dilatation increasing UOS diameter may provide a new approach to treat unsuccessful TE phonation.
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