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Effects of head rotation on pharyngeal function during normal swallow
1Department of Otolaryngology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Head rotation during swallowing in healthy individuals alters bolus flow and increases pharyngeal pressure on one side. This head movement also affects the upper esophageal sphincter, improving pharyngeal clearance and sphincter dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- Head rotation is a common compensatory strategy during swallowing.
- Understanding its effects on pharyngeal swallowing mechanics is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effects of head rotation on pharyngeal swallowing in healthy subjects.
- To investigate the impact of head rotation on bolus transit, pharyngeal pressures, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function.
Main Methods:
- Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were conducted on seven healthy volunteers.
- Oropharyngeal manometry was used to measure pharyngeal pressures.
- Swallowing trials were performed with the head in neutral and rotated positions.
Main Results:
- Head rotation caused bolus lateralization away from the direction of rotation.
- Pharyngeal peak pressures increased significantly on the side of head rotation.
- Head rotation led to a fall in upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressure and delayed UES closing.
Conclusions:
- Head rotation during swallowing alters the bolus pathway in healthy individuals.
- This maneuver has beneficial effects on pharyngeal clearance and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dynamics.