Dynamic motion analysis of the cervical spine during normal swallowing

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Physiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Physiological cervical lordosis is vital for spinal alignment and musculoskeletal health.
• Dynamic changes in cervical lordotic angle (CLA) during swallowing are not well understood.
• Previous research highlights cervical curvature's clinical relevance but lacks dynamic swallowing analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dynamic CLA changes during normal swallowing using automated motion analysis.
• To determine the relationship between baseline lordotic angle and swallowing-induced cervical motion.
• To explore the implications of cervical alignment for swallowing efficiency and safety.

Main Methods:

• Videofluoroscopic swallowing examinations in 39 healthy adults.
• A 2D template matching technique to track cervical vertebrae.
• Calculation of CLA based on vertebral centroids and spinous processes.
• Categorization of participants into four baseline lordotic angle groups.

Main Results:

• CLA decreased during the pharyngeal phase across all participants.
• The 10°-20° lordosis group exhibited the most synchronized and prominent CLA transition.
• Minimal CLA change was observed in the <0° group; the ≥20° group showed limited restoration.
• Swallowing-induced cervical motion varied significantly with baseline lordotic angle.

Conclusions:

• Cervical spine motion during swallowing is modulated by baseline lordotic angle.
• Moderate lordosis (10°-20°) is associated with the most efficient and coordinated cervical motion during deglutition.
• Optimal cervical alignment may enhance swallowing safety and effectiveness, informing dysphagia diagnostics and rehabilitation.