2002 Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 236-241
In this article，we examine the effects of neck protrusion on the pharyngeal swallowing． We performed videofluoroscopy，in which 20 healthy males swallowed 15cc liquid barium in two head positions： a neutral position and neck protrusion．
The following results were obtained:
1．Among the measures of pharyngeal swallowing，the extent of laryngeal elevation，and the diameter and duration of upper esophageal opening increased significantly in subjects with neck protrusion (p＜ 0.05)．There was no significant difference between the two positions in pharyngeal transit time or the extent of hyoid bone movement．
2． The shape of the pyriform sinus changed in subjects with neck protrusion．The size of the pyriform sinus increased in width and depth in 11 subjects， and depth increased in 7 subjects．
3． Aspiration was not observed in either position．Penetration，however，occurred in 5 subjects with a neutral position，and in 7 subjects with neck protrusion． Residue in the pyriform sinus was observed in 4 subjects in a neutral position，but not in subjects with neck protrusion．
In conclusion，swallowing with neck protrusion might be beneficial for patients with dysphagia，as the diameter and duration of the upper esophageal opening as well as the size of the pyriform sinus increased．On the other hand，the risk of aspiration might increase with neck protrusion．
