Effects of Swallowing Posture Maneuvers on Swallowing Functions

Abstract

Occupational therapists managing subjects with feeding or swallowing problems must determine appropriate swallowing postures for feeding, while considering risks and swallowing function. Few reports have addressed associations between trunk position and swallowing function, so this study aimed to provide basic data on such associations for practical use. Noninvasive procedures were used to assess the effects of different trunk positions on swallowing functions during voluntary swallowing in 17 healthy adult women. Water bolus transport was not recognized in the laryngeal movement latency of oral phases, and was recognized in the duration of laryngeal movement of pharyngeal phases. Significant differences were recognized only for duration of laryngeal movement between the 90° and 30° trunk positions. Swallowing saliva appears to be influenced by preceding water swallowing, in addition to visual input. Decisions regarding swallowing postures the subject should take during swallowing require integrated general data, including swallowing function status of laryngeal movements, consistency, gravity and internal pressures.