Abstract
Maximum rapid dry swallows constitute an easy and non-invasive procedure for subjects with swallowing disorders. Rapid dry swallowing tests using a phonato-functionary apparatus were performed. When defining the borderline of normal limits, twenty three healthy volunteer subjects, 14 males and 9 females, ranging in age from 7 to 82 years (mean=41.8, SD=23.2), were recruited, The results were as follows. The mean swallow to swallow interval was 3.0±0.8 sec. An extension of this time interval beyond 4.0 sec was considered to be an abnormal value. Lowering the peak pressure below 10cmH2O, as measured in the oral cavity, was also considered to be an abnormal value. When evaluating subjects with deglutitive problems, both interval time between swallows and peak pressure were determined to be important factors. Dysphasias occurring in postoperative patients following resection of the tongue, oral floor, mesopharynx and/or hard palate and neurological disorders relevant to the 3, 7, 9, 10th and 12th cranial nerves were tested by this method, which proved to be useful means for evaluating such cases.
