The Influence of Side-Lying Position on Oropharyngeal Swallow Function in At-Risk Infants: An Exploratory Study

Smith, Julian B; Kamarunas, Erin; O'Donoghue, Cynthia R.

doi:10.1177/00099228231159158

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 73 publications

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“…The theory involves gravity helping to decrease aspiration by directing the flow of the liquid that enters the larynx down the side of the functioning cord as well as gravity helping passively adduct the non-functioning cord ( 19 ). Additionally, there is likely an element of improved coordination and slowed flow as evidenced by children taking fewer swallows per breath when placed in a side-lying position compared to an upright position ( 20 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Body Positioning on Laryngeal Penetration and Aspiration in Children with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Monaghan,

McGhee,

Yuen

et al. 2023

TAO

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Objective: To evaluate laryngeal penetration and aspiration in upright and side-lying positions in children with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (VCP) who underwent modified barium swallow study (MBSS). Methods: A retrospective chart review (Pro00089051) of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with unilateral VCP and underwent MBSS was performed. Patients were identified using diagnostic code for VCP and based on diagnosis via flexible laryngoscopy. Once identified, MBSS notes were reviewed for data regarding laryngeal penetration, tracheal aspiration, and body position during the exam. Information was collected on the various consistencies of liquids used. The order of positioning was recorded in patients who had undergone both positions during the study. Data was analyzed using chi-square analysis. Results: 811 patients had undergone MBSS between 2011 and 2014. Of these, 90 patients were isolated with unilateral VCP, and of those 90 patients, 23 (26%) had undergone MBSS in both side-lying and upright positions. When all 90 patients were evaluated, there was no difference in penetration or aspiration noted in the side-lying or upright position with thin liquids. Importantly, among the 23 (26%) patients that had been studied in both positions, there were no significant differences in penetration or aspiration relating to body position with any consistency. Conclusion: Rates of penetration and aspiration were not associated with body position in patients who had undergone MBSS at our institution. However, due to an incomplete data set and a small sample size of those who underwent MBSS in both positions, these results should be further explored in prospective studies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Body Positioning on Laryngeal Penetration and Aspiration in Children with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Monaghan,

McGhee,

Yuen

et al. 2023

TAO

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Effect of feeding in elevated side-lying and paced bottle feeding on swallow-breathe coordination in healthy preterm infants – First results

Hübl,

Hasmann,

Riebold

et al. 2025

Early Human Development

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Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Side-Lying Position in Infant Modified Barium Swallow Studies: A Qualitative Investigation

Smith,

O'Donoghue,

Jones

2024

Perspect ASHA SIGs

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Purpose: This qualitative study explored the practices of hospital-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) conducting modified barium swallow studies (MBS) for infants at risk for dysphagia. Specifically, this research aimed to determine whether or not SLPs use side-lying position during MBS, to examine possible differences in the use of positioning, and to better understand SLPs' perceptions and experiences in this practice. Using a constructivist view, research questions guiding this inquiry were as follows: What is the current practice of hospital-based pediatric SLPs in regard to the use of side-lying position during infant MBS? What is the experience of the hospital-based SLP in their use of side-lying position during MBS? How do SLPs report perceived barriers or benefits to using side-lying position during MBS? Method: Employing a purposive-convenience sampling technique, data were collected using semistructured interviews of SLPs serving at-risk infants with dysphagia. All participants were practicing in Level-III or -IV neonatal intensive care units. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, loaded into NVivo, and coded using initial and consensus coding. Themes achieved saturation following six interviews. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) variations in practice patterns, (b) factors influencing clinical practice, and (c) items that SLPs identified as needs to facilitate change in their clinical practice. Conclusions: Although SLPs acknowledged the importance of MBS replicating an infant's typical feeding, some SLPs who consistently use side-lying position during feeding do not assess feeding in side-lying position during MBS. This inconsistency in practice results from SLPs' perceived barriers, including lack of experience, concern over interdisciplinary conflict, need for MBS protocols, and lack of research on the potential impacts of side-lying positioning on swallowing. Participants reported the need for research to determine whether side-lying position alters, possibly improves, swallow functions and safety (e.g., airway protection) for at-risk infants.

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The Influence of Side-Lying Position on Oropharyngeal Swallow Function in At-Risk Infants: An Exploratory Study

Cited by 4 publications

References 73 publications

Effects of Body Positioning on Laryngeal Penetration and Aspiration in Children with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Effects of Body Positioning on Laryngeal Penetration and Aspiration in Children with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Effect of feeding in elevated side-lying and paced bottle feeding on swallow-breathe coordination in healthy preterm infants – First results

Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Side-Lying Position in Infant Modified Barium Swallow Studies: A Qualitative Investigation

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