This study quantified the effects of head rotation on pharyngeal swallowing in healthy subjects. Videofluoroscopic and oropharyngeal manometric examinations of pharyngeal swallowing were performed on seven volunteers with the head in neutral and rotated positions. Videofluoroscopic study revealed that head rotation swallow causes the bolus to lateralize away from the direction of head rotation. Pharyngeal manometric study indicated that the pharyngeal peak pressures toward the side of head rotation were significantly increased, whereas the pharyngeal pressures opposite the side of head rotation were not affected. Head rotation swallow produced a significant fall in upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressure and a delay in UES closing. We concluded that the head rotation swallow in normal subjects not only alters the bolus pathway, but also has a useful effect on both pharyngeal clearance and UES dynamics.

Tracheostomy placement affects swallowing function, increasing the risk of aspiration. Recent studies suggest that because of increased risk of swallowing disturbance associated with tracheostomy, one-way speaking valve placement may help to reduce aspiration in tracheostomized patients. We hypothesize that airflow exhaled through the laryngeal cavity using the one-way speaking valve may improve the clearance of residual bolus from the upper airway, thus preventing bolus penetration and aspiration. We studied the effects of one way speaking valve placement on laryngeal clearance and swallowing physiology. Videoendoscopic and videofluoroscopic swallowing were examined in 16 patients with the tracheostomy, and swallowing was compared with and without the one-way speaking valve in place. Valve Valve placement significantly improved laryngeal clearance and the incidence of penetration during swallowing. placement did not, however, significantly affect pharyngeal bolus residue, laryngeal elevation, pharyngeal delay or aspiration. Factors associated with the resumption of oral feedings were sufficient laryngeal elevation during swallow and the prevention of laryngeal penetration and aspiration. We concluded that one-way speaking valve placement improves laryngeal clearance and prevents laryngeal penetration, resulting in better oropharyngeal swallowing physiology and oral feeding.

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