Immediate Effect of Dry Swallowing Maneuver in Patients with Neurogenic Dysphagia

Compensatory deglutition strategies such as change of posture, swallowing maneuvers, and sensory stimulation have been used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to alter oral and pharyngeal biodynamics.

To analyze the immediate effect of the dry swallowing maneuver in patients with neurogenic dysphagia.

The participants were 11 individuals with neurogenic dysphagia who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study while performing dry swallow maneuvers for different consistencies. The amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue was measured for the tongue base, vallecula, posterior pharyngeal wall, and pyriform sinus. Two experienced SLPs analyzed the videos blindly as to the timing, pre- or post-maneuver, and information about the videos. In cases of disagreement between the judges, a third judge broke the tie for each structure whose analysis was in disagreement.

There was a significant reduction of residue after dry swallowing maneuvers on the tongue and vallecula. There was no significant difference in the amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue for the posterior pharyngeal wall and pyriform sinus. The amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue showed no significant interference from the different consistencies tested.

The dry swallowing maneuver showed an immediate improvement effect for the clearance of residues on the base of tongue and vallecula.