Aging-related changes in swallowing, and in the coordination of swallowing and respiration determined by novel non-invasive measurement techniques

Acoustic Analysis of Swallowing of an Experimental Meal of Three Food Textures: A Comparative Aging Study

Swallowing disorders in the elderly represent a public health problem, their detections are a medico-economic issue. The acoustic analysis of swallowing has the advantages of being non-invasive with no radiation, compared to videofluoroscopy or fiberoptic swallowing assessments. Acoustic analysis of swallowing has been tested in many studies but only on small food boluses. The aim of this study was to compare the acoustic swallowing parameters of two groups of healthy subjects, before and after 70 years old, during the intake of a series of 3 food textures. A laryngophone was used to record the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. The experimental meal was composed of 100 ml of mashed potatoes, 100 ml of water, and 100 ml of yogurt. Group 1 (50-70 years old) comprised 21 subjects and group 2 (over 70 years old) 23 subjects. Acoustic parameters analyzed were the number of swallows, average duration of swallowing, average duration of inter-swallowing, meal duration, and the average frequency of swallowing per minute. These parameters for groups 1 and 2 were compared. The average duration of inter-swallowing and the meal duration were significantly higher in the older group (p < 0.001), with a mean duration of inter-swallowing that was 2.4 s longer than the younger group. The average swallowing frequency per minute was higher in the younger group (11.3 vs 7.9; p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that acoustic analysis of an experimental meal of three food textures generated usable data on swallowing. In the over 70 age group, there was a decrease in swallowing frequency, indicating a slowdown in food intake. A reduced swallowing frequency could become a criteria to assess presbyphagia.

Study on predictive models for swallowing risk in patients with AECOPD

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is considered a complication in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, AECOPD may have risk factors for dysphagia.

METHODS

Through a cross-sectional study, which included 100 patients with AECOPD. General information, Pulmonary function, COPD assessment test (CAT) and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) were collected by questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered by uniform-trained investigators using standard and neutral language, and swallowing risk was assessed by using a water swallow test (WST) on the day of patient admission.

RESULTS

Among the 100 included patients, 50(50%) were at risk of swallowing. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 74 years old, mMRC ≥ level 2, hospitalization days ≥ 7 days and the use of BIPAP assisted ventilation were important influencing factors for swallowing risk in patients with AECOPD.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AECOPD are at risk for dysphagia, assessing age, mMRC, hospitalization days and the use of BIPAP assisted ventilation can be used to screen for swallowing risk, thus contributing to the implementation of early prevention measures.

Hyolaryngeal Movement During Normal and Effortful Swallows Determined During Ultrasonography

PURPOSE

This study investigated (a) the effects of the effortful swallow under two different instructions (tongue emphasis vs. pharyngeal squeezing) on hyoid displacement and hyoid-larynx approximation, (b) the association between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallowing and the effortful swallow produced with tongue emphasis, and (c) age-related differences in hyolaryngeal movement during normal and effortful swallows (tongue emphasis vs. pharyngeal squeezing) in healthy individuals.

METHOD

Forty healthy adults (20 younger and 20 older) swallowed their saliva as they normally do (normal swallow) and performed the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis and pharyngeal squeezing. Tongue-to-palate pressure during swallowing was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, hyolaryngeal movement was measured using ultrasonography, and submental surface electromyography was used to track swallows.

RESULTS

Results revealed differences in hyolaryngeal movement across swallowing types. Both types of effortful swallows showed greater hyolaryngeal movement than normal swallows. Additionally, hyolaryngeal movement was greater during the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis than the effortful swallow with pharyngeal squeezing. Age-related differences were found only in hyoid-larynx approximation during the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis (younger > older adults). Furthermore, moderate positive correlations were identified between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallows and the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show that varying instructions of the effortful swallow affect hyolaryngeal movement differently, suggesting that clinicians may need to individualize the effortful swallow instruction according to the physiological impairments of each patient. Additionally, natural age-related changes in swallowing physiology do not seem to affect an individual's ability to perform the effortful swallow or to impact hyolaryngeal movement. Finally, the association between tongue pressure and hyolaryngeal movement during normal swallows and the effortful swallow with tongue emphasis suggests that the tongue plays a critical role in swallowing, priming subsequent swallowing events.

Feasibility study of the Nox-T3 device to detect swallowing and respiration pattern in neurologically impaired patients in the acute phase

Dysphagia is a frequent complication in neurologically impaired patients, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia and thus prolonged hospitalization or even death. It is essential therefore, to detect and assess dysphagia early for best patient care. Fiberoptic endoscopic and Videofluoroscopy evaluation of swallowing are the gold standard exams in swallowing studies but neither are perfectly suitable for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). In this study, we aimed to find the sensitivity and specificity of the Nox-T3 sleep monitor for detection of swallowing. A combination of submental and peri-laryngeal surface electromyography, nasal cannulas and respiratory inductance plethysmography belts connected to Nox-T 3 allows recording swallowing events and their coordination with breathing, providing time-coordinated patterns of muscular and respiratory activity. We compared Nox-T3 swallowing capture to manual swallowing detection on fourteen DOC patients. The Nox-T3 method identified swallow events with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 99%. In addition, Nox-T3 has qualitative contributions, such as visualization of the swallowing apnea in the respiratory cycle which provide additional information on the swallowing act that is useful to clinicians in the management and rehabilitation of the patient. These results suggest that Nox-T3 could be used for swallowing detection in DOC patients and support its continued clinical use for swallowing disorder investigation.

Thyroid surgery outcomes in octogenarians: A national analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of thyroid pathology increases with age. Yet octogenarians may face increased rates of complications after thyroid surgery. Using a nationally representative cohort, we evaluated the outcomes of thyroidectomy among octogenarians.

METHODS

All patients ≥55 years who underwent inpatient thyroidectomy were identified using the 2010 to 2020 National Readmissions Database. Patients ≥80 years were classified as octogenarians (others: nonoctogenarians). Multivariable models were built to evaluate independent associations between octogenarians and key clinical and financial outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 120,164 hospitalizations, 9,163 (7.6%) were octogenarians. The proportion of octogenarians undergoing thyroidectomy increased from 7.7% (2010) to 8.7% (2020) (nptrend <0.001). Octogenarians were more frequently female (72.1 vs 70.5%, P < .001), presented with a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (3 [2-4] vs 2 [1-3], P < .001), and more commonly faced thyroid cancer (41.3 vs 32.7%, P < .001). After risk adjustment, octogenarians were associated with greater odds of experiencing any perioperative complication (adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.25-1.48). Octogenarians were further linked with greater odds of respiratory (adjusted odds ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.52-2.17) and renal complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.45-2.49), dysphagia (adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.33-1.72), laryngeal edema (adjusted odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.30-3.18), vocal cord paralysis (adjusted odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.53-2.09), and stridor (adjusted odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.00). No difference in hypocalcemia was observed. Furthermore, octogenarians demonstrated an increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 6.34, 95% confidence interval 3.11-12.53), hospitalization expenditures (+$910, 95% confidence interval +$420-1,400), and nonelective readmission within 30 days of discharge (adjusted odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.32-1.79).

CONCLUSION

Octogenarians are associated with greater morbidity after thyroidectomy. Patients ≥80 years should be counseled about increased perioperative risk when discussing surgical versus nonsurgical treatments for thyroid disease.

Respiratory-Swallow Coordination in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Swallowing impairment, including altered physiology and aspiration, occur across the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). The phase of respiration during which a swallow is initiated has been linked to swallowing impairment and aspiration in cohorts with dysphagia following stroke and head and neck cancer treatment, but has been understudied in PD. If similar findings are shown in individuals with PD, the implications for swallowing assessment and treatment are significant.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was to examine respiratory-swallow coordination measures and potential implications on swallowing physiology in individuals with PD.

METHODS

An extensive search of 7 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Central, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Scopus, and CINAHL) with predetermined search terms was conducted. Inclusion criteria were individuals with PD and the use of objective evaluations of respiratory-swallow coordination.

RESULTS

Of the 13,760 articles identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. This review supports the presence of atypical respiratory swallow patterning, respiratory pause duration and lung volume at swallow initiation in individuals with PD. The meta-analysis estimated an occurrence of 60% of non-expiration-expiration and 40% of expiration-expiration respiratory phase patterns surrounding swallowing.

CONCLUSION

Although this systematic review supports the occurrence of atypical respiratory-swallow coordination in individuals with PD, the evidence is limited by the variability in the methods of data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Future research examining the impact of respiratory swallow coordination on swallowing impairment and airway protection using consistent, comparable, and reproducible methods and metrics in individuals with PD is warranted.

Synchronization between videofluoroscopic swallowing study and surface electromyography in patients with neurological involvement presenting symptoms of dysphagia

Introduction: Dysphagia is defined as the difficulty in transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The gold standard to diagnose this condition is the videofluoroscopic swallowing study. However, it exposes patients to ionizing radiation. Surface electromyography is a non-radioactive alternative for dysphagia evaluation that records muscle electrical activity during swallowing. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the relative activation times of the muscles involved in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing and the kinematic events detected in the videofluoroscopy. Materials and methods: Electromiographic signals from ten patients with neurological involvement who presented symptoms of dysphagia were analyzed simultaneously with videofluoroscopy. Patients were given 5 ml of yogurt, 10 ml of water, and 3 g of crackers. Masseter, suprahyoid, and infrahyoid muscle groups were studied bilaterally. The bolus transit through the mandibular line, vallecula, and the cricopharyngeus muscle was analyzed in relation to the onset and offset times of each muscle group activation. Results: The average time of the pharyngeal phase was 0.89 ± 0.12 s. Muscle activation was mostly observed prior to the bolus transit through the mandibular line and vallecula. The end of the muscle activity suggested that the passage of the bolus through the cricopharyngeus muscle was almost complete. Conclusión: The muscle activity times, duration of the pharyngeal phase, and sequence of the muscle groups involved in swallowing were determined using sEMG validated with the videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

Association between Dysphagia and Frailty in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Increasing bodies of epidemiological evidence indicate potential associations between dysphagia and the risk of frailty in older adults. We hypothesized that older adults with symptoms of dysphagia might have a higher prevalence of frailty or prefrailty than those without dysphagia. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies published through 20 April 2022. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that examined the associations between dysphagia and the existence of frailty or prefrailty in community-dwelling, facility-dwelling, or hospitalized adults aged 50 years or older were synthesized. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate study quality. Results: The meta-analysis comprised 12 cohorts, including 5,503,543 non-frailty participants and 735,303 cases of frailty or prefrailty. Random-effect meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between dysphagia and the risk of frailty and prefrailty (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.51–4.20). In addition, we observed consistent results across the subgroups and heterogeneity assessments. Conclusions: We propose including dysphagia assessment as a critical factor in the cumulative deficit model for identifying frailty in older adults. Understanding dysphagia and the potential role of nutritional supplements in older adults may lead to improved strategies for preventing, delaying, or mitigating frailty.

Swallowing and aspiration during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea versus control individuals

Study Objectives

There are only a few reports on voluntary swallowing during sleep; therefore, this study aimed to propose a method for observing voluntary swallowing during sleep using polysomnography. The frequency of voluntary swallowing during sleep and the factors related to swallowing and aspiration during sleep were investigated.

Methods

Polysomnography records of 20 control subjects and 60 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (mild, moderate, and severe groups; n = 20 each) were collected. Simultaneous increases in the electromyographic potentials of the submental and masseter muscles, termed coactivation, and declining oronasal airflow (SA) were extracted as “swallowing.” The cough reflex that occurred during sleep was extracted as “aspiration.” The frequency of swallowing events was compared among the different OSA severity groups. Subsequently, a multivariate regression analysis was performed.

Results

The average frequency of coactivation with SA in control subjects was 4.1 events/h and that without SA was 1.7 events/h. These frequencies increased with the severity of OSA during non-REM sleep. The distance of the hyoid to the Frankfurt plane was associated with the frequency of coactivation with (β = 0.298, p = 0.017) as well as without SA (β = 0.271, p = 0.038). The frequency of coactivation without SA was associated with aspiration (B = 0.192, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our data provide new insights into the relationship between swallowing and aspiration during sleep. We found that the longer the distance from the hyoid bone to the Frankfurt plane, the higher the coactivation without SA, which could lead to aspiration during sleep.

Clinical Trials

Retrospective observational study of swallowing during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea patients using polysomnography, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000050460, UMIN000044187.

Comparison of the innovative endoscopic oropharyngeal airway and the conventional mouthpiece in elderly outpatients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy under sedation: a prospective and randomized study

Background

Undesirable outcomes may appear for elderly patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) under sedation, such as hypoxia and hypotension. The aim of our study was to investigate the ability of the innovative endoscopic oropharyngeal airway to reduce the frequency of hypoxia during EGD under sedation in elderly patients.

Methods

In this trial, aged patients undergoing EGD were randomized into airway group and mouthpiece group. The primary outcome was the incidence of the minimum pulse oxygen saturation < 90% and minimum pulse oxygen saturation. In addition, sedation dose, recovery time, emergency management and adverse reactions were recorded.

Results

360 patients completed the study (180 in each groups). The minimum pulse oxygen saturation during EGD was significantly higher in airway group (97.66 ± 2.96%) than in mouthpiece group (95.52 ± 3.84%, P < 0.001). The incidence of pulse oxygen saturation of 85–89% of airway group (5.0%, 9/180) was lower than mouthpiece group (10.6%, 19/180, P = 0.049). The endoscopy entry time in airway group was 3 (2, 4) seconds and in mouthpiece group was 5 (4, 6) (P < 0.001). Propofol total dose and awakening time were significantly lower in the airway group than in the mouthpiece group (P = 0.020 and P = 0.012, respectively). Furthermore, the incidence rate of hypotension was significantly higher in mouthpiece group (12.2%) than in airway group (5.0%) (P = 0.015). By comparison with the mouthpiece group, the satisfaction of endoscopists was higher in airway group (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Elderly patients undergoing EGD, Endoscopy Protector was associated with a significantly lower incidence of hypoxia, shortened endoscopy entry time and more stable hemodynamics.

Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000031998, 17/04/2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx

Duração da mastigação e da fase oral da deglutição em idosos com diferentes condições dentárias: análise clínica

RESUMO Objetivo: mensurar o tempo total da mastigação e da fase oral da deglutição em idosos saudáveis, considerando diferentes consistências alimentares, a presença de dentes naturais e o tipo de reabilitação oral protética, bem como realizar comparação entre as condições dentárias e as consistências. Métodos: estudo transversal com 57 idosos saudáveis, entre 60 e 82 anos, distribuídos em grupo dentado (D) (n=15) e grupos reabilitados: próteses parciais fixas ou removíveis em uma ou ambas as arcadas (PP) (n=15); prótese total removível maxilar e mandibular (PTR) (n=15); prótese total - prótese removível superior e prótese implanto-suportada inferior (PTIS) (n=12). O tempo de duração (segundos) da mastigação e da fase oral da deglutição foi medido nas consistências: sólida (pão francês), pudim (10 ml) e líquida (10 ml). Resultados: idosos dentados saudáveis apresentaram os intervalos: líquido=1,07±0,35 s; pudim=3,48±1,76 s; e sólido=27,88±7,11 s. Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos D e PTIS (p=0,0056) e entre D e PTR (p=0,0056) para líquido. Para todos os grupos, houve aumento estatisticamente significante entre as consistências líquida e sólida e entre pastosa e sólida (p<0,001). Conclusões: idosos dentados apresentaram menor tempo de fase oral da deglutição para líquidos do que idosos edêntulos totais reabilitados, mas não diferente dos idosos com prótese parcial. O tempo de mastigação e deglutição do alimento sólido foi maior que o das demais consistências, independente da condição dentária.

Duration of mastication and oral phase of swallowing in the elderly with different dental conditions: a clinical analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: to measure the total time of mastication and oral phase of swallowing in healthy elderly people, considering different food consistency, the presence of natural teeth, and the type of prosthetic oral rehabilitation, as well to compare dental conditions and consistencies. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 57 healthy elderly people, aged between 60 and 82 years, divided into: dentate group (D) (n=15); and rehabilitated groups; PD: fixed or removable partial dentures in one or both arches (n=15); CRD: maxillary and mandibular complete removable dentures (n=15); ISCD: complete dentures - maxillary removable denture and mandibular implant-supported dentures (n=12). The duration time (seconds) of chewing and of the oral phase of swallowing was measured in the consistencies: solid (a roll slice), pudding (10 ml) and liquid (10 ml). Results: healthy dentate elderly subjects had the following intervals: liquid=1.07±0.35 s; pudding=3.48±1.76 s; and solid=27.88±7.11 s. Statistically significant differences were observed between the D and ISCD groups (p=0.0056) and between D and CRD (p=0.0056) for liquid. For all groups, there was a statistically significant increase between liquid and solid consistencies and between pasty and solid ones (p<0.001). Conclusions: the dentate elderly had shorter oral phase time of swallowing for liquids than the rehabilitated edentulous elderly, but not different from the elderly with partial dentures. Chewing and swallowing time for solid food was longer than that for the other consistencies, regardless of dental condition.

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Resistant Hypertensive Patients With and Without Sleep Obstructive Apnea

Resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) is strongly associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Individuals with OSA may have subclinical swallow impairment, diagnosed by instrumental assessments, such as videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). However, few studies have evaluated this population and included a control group of individuals without OSA. To evaluate, through FEES, the swallowing characteristics of resistant hypertensive patients with and without OSA and to investigate the association between the signs of swallow impairment and OSA. This was an observational study in which individuals with RAH underwent baseline polysomnography and were diagnosed with and without OSA. All participants underwent an initial assessment with the collection of demographic characteristics and FEES. Individuals were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of OSA. Seventy-nine resistant hypertensive patients were evaluated: 60 with OSA (19 with mild OSA, 21 with moderate OSA, and 20 with severe OSA) and 19 without OSA. The most prevalent swallowing differences between groups with and without OSA were piecemeal deglutition, in 61.7% and 31.6%, respectively (p = 0.022); spillage, in 58.3% and 21.1% (p = 0.005); penetration/aspiration, in 55% and 47.4% (p = 0.561); and pharyngeal residue, in 51.5% and 26.3% (p = 0.053). The prevalence of swallow impairment among the participants in this study was 58.3% and 47.4% in the groups with OSA and without OSA, respectively (p = 0.402). This study shows a high prevalence of swallow impairment both in hypertensive patients with OSA and without OSA. The characteristics of swallowing associated with hypertensive patients with OSA are spillage, piecemeal deglutition, and the onset of the pharyngeal phase in the hypopharynx.

Coordination of Respiration, Swallowing, and Chewing in Healthy Young Adults

Examining the coordination of respiration and swallowing is important for elucidating the mechanisms underlying these functions and assessing how respiration is linked to swallowing impairment in dysphagic patients. In this study, we assessed the coordination of respiration and swallowing to clarify how voluntary swallowing is coordinated with respiration and how mastication modulates the coordination of respiration and swallowing in healthy humans. Twenty-one healthy volunteers participated in three experiments. The participants were asked to swallow 3 ml of water with or without a cue, to drink 100 ml of water using a cup without breathing between swallows, and to eat a 4-g portion of corned beef. The major coordination pattern of respiration and swallowing was expiration–swallow–expiration (EE type) while swallowing 3 ml of water either with or without a cue, swallowing 100 ml of water, and chewing. Although cueing did not affect swallowing movements, the expiratory time was lengthened with the cue. During 100-ml water swallowing, the respiratory cycle time and expiratory time immediately before swallowing were significantly shorter compared with during and after swallowing, whereas the inspiratory time did not differ throughout the recording period. During chewing, the respiratory cycle time was decreased in a time-dependent manner, probably because of metabolic demand. The coordination of the two functions is maintained not only in voluntary swallowing but also in involuntary swallowing during chewing. Understanding the mechanisms underlying respiration and swallowing is important for evaluating how coordination affects physiological swallowing in dysphagic patients.

Effectiveness of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and dietary intervention during home-visit dental care in older individuals

BACKGROUND

Currently, patients with dysphagia are receiving dietary management that deviates from their original swallowing function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and dietary intervention (DI) by multi-professional collaboration during visit care for determining the actual oral intake status in patients with dysphagia.

METHODS

Five hundred and eighteen patients with dysphagia underwent FEES, focusing on the penetration-aspiration scale, and DI. Oral intake status was categorised using the functional oral intake scale (FOIS). FOIS scores at the first visit, after FEES, and at the reassessment were compared.

RESULTS

At the first visit, 34.7% of the patients had an FOIS score of level 1 (no oral intake) and 65.3% had a score of level 2 or higher (capable of oral intake). Following FEES, 7.1% of patients had an FOIS score of level 1, and 44.4% had a score of level 2 with resumption of oral intake. At the reassessment, 489 patients (94.4%) were capable of oral ingestion (FOIS level 2 or higher). There were significant differences between the distributions of FOIS scores at the first visit and following FEES (P < .01) and between those at the first visit and at the reassessment (P < .01). Regarding tube feeding, 17 (5.9%) of 289 patients, who had received tube feeding at the first visit, were completely capable of oral intake following FEES and at the reassessment.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate evaluation of swallowing function using FEES and DI helps to understand the definite swallowing function in patients with dysphagia.

Electromyographic activation patterns during swallowing in older adults

Age-related weakness due to atrophy and fatty infiltration in oropharyngeal muscles may be related to dysphagia in older adults. However, little is known about changes in the oropharyngeal muscle activation pattern in older adults. This was a prospective and experimental study. Forty healthy participants (20 older [> 60 years] and 20 young [< 60 years] adults) were enrolled. Six channel surface electrodes were placed over the bilateral suprahyoid (SH), bilateral retrohyoid (RH), thyrohyoid (TH), and sternothyroid (StH) muscles. Electromyography signals were then recorded twice for each patient during swallowing of 2 cc of water, 5 cc of water, and 5 cc of a highly viscous fluid. Latency, duration, and peak amplitude were measured. The activation patterns were the same, in the order of SH, TH, and StH, in both groups. The muscle activation patterns were classified as type I and II; the type I pattern was characterized by a monophasic shape, and the type II comprised a pre-reflex phase and a main phase. The oropharyngeal muscles and SH muscles were found to develop a pre-reflex phase specifically with increasing volume and viscosity of the swallowed fluid. Type I showed a different response to the highly viscous fluid in the older group compared to that in the younger group. However, type II showed concordant changes in the groups. Therefore, healthy older people were found to compensate for swallowing with a pre-reflex phase of muscle activation in response to increased liquid volume and viscosity, to adjust for age-related muscle weakness.

Diagnostic precision for bronchopulmonary aspiration in a heterogeneous population

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of a simple instrument for screening dysphagia used in a large public hospital in Brazil with heterogeneous adult population.

METHOD

The Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol (DREP) - screening version contains four items (altered cervical auscultation, altered vocal quality, coughing and choking before / during / after swallowing) that were previously indicated as independent risk factors associated to the presence of dysphagia in the swallowing test with water. Trained speech therapists administered and scored DREP - screening version to consecutive patients referred by hospital's medical team to perform Video Fluoroscopic for Swallowing Study (VFSS).

RESULTS

211 patients received the swallowing screen (DREP): 99 failed and 112 passed. One in every five patients was randomized to receive a VFSS. The DREP screening version demonstrated excellent validity with sensitivity at 92.9%, specificity at 75.0%, negative predictive values at 95.5% and an accuracy of 80.9%.

CONCLUSION

The DREP - screening version is a simple and accurate tool to identify the risk for penetration and / or aspiration in patients who are not tube-fed, who have a good level of alertness, have no history of recurrent pneumonia, are not on pneumonia, and that do not use a tracheostomy cannula.

[Pulmonary insufficiency in acute stroke: risk factors and mechanisms of development]

Various degrees of pulmonary insufficiency (PI) (PaO₂ ≤60 mm Hg, SaO₂ ≤90%) are diagnosed in most of patients with severe acute stroke (AS). Frequency and severity of PI positively correlates with the severity of AS. PI worsens patient's condition, prolongs the hospitalization period, and increases the probability of fatal outcome. Early clinical signs of PI may be undiagnosed due to the severity of stroke and thus not treated. The initiating pathogenic mechanism of PI is stress-related activation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and systemic immunosuppression. In severe stroke with mass effect, the rapid and significant increase in intracranial pressure may additionally activate the SNS. Risk factors of PI include older age, previous pulmonary disease, prolonged supine position, respiratory muscle dysfunction, apnea, and concomitant somatic diseases. Decompensation of somatic diseases leads to multiple stage reactions with facilitation of functional and morphologic changes in the pulmonary system, hypoxemia and hypoxia, promotes infectious complications and multiple organ failure and worsens neurological outcome. Diagnosis and treatment of PI in AS decreases mortality and improves rehabilitation prognosis.

Effects of age and gender on swallowing activity assessed by electromyography and laryngeal elevation

BACKGROUND

Quantitative assessment of swallowing function is necessary to prevent swallowing impairment due to ageing. Though surface electromyography (EMG) has been widely used to measure swallowing activity, the relationship between EMG results and swallowing function is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relationship between the temporal characteristics of muscle activity and laryngeal elevation (LE) during swallowing.

METHODS

This study analysed 60 healthy volunteers in two age groups (young, between 20 and 38 years; old, between 65 and 75 years), each containing the same number of male and female participants. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle groups (SH-EMG and IH-EMG, respectively). LE was measured using an array of pressure sensors. The participants swallowed 3 mL of water under three swallowing speed conditions: fast, normal and slow swallowing. The EMG duration, EMG time intervals before and after the onset of LE (pre-LE and post-LE intervals, respectively), and the LE velocity were analysed.

RESULTS

Both EMG duration and the post-LE interval of IH-EMG were significantly longer in the older group. As for the gender effect, the pre-LE interval of SH-EMG was significantly longer and the LE velocity was significantly higher in men than in women. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between pre-LE interval and LE velocity in the fast swallowing condition.

CONCLUSION

Though ageing slightly prolonged the muscle activity time, gender influenced swallowing activity in a more complex manner. Therefore, it is important to take gender into account when examining swallowing function with increasing age.

Detection of swallowing disorders using a multiple channel surface electromyography sheet: A preliminary study

Background/purpose

We invented a sensor sheet with multiple electromyogram electrodes, which can be easily attached to the front of the neck, to evaluate surface electromyograms (sEMG) during swallowing function. In this paper, we evaluated sEMG in healthy volunteers and dysphagia patients using the sensor sheet and discussed its potential to evaluate swallowing function.

Materials and methods

Ten healthy volunteers (age, 29.5 ± 3.9 years) and 18 clinically diagnosed dysphagia patients (age, 67.8 ± 12.1 years) were included. The sensor sheet had four pairs of electrodes, and sEMG at the suprahyoid muscles (positions A and B) and the infrahyoid muscles (positions C and D) were recorded while swallowing water, thickened water, yogurt, and jelly; sEMG findings were compared between these positions.

Results

Significant differences in the duration of muscle activity was observed when swallowing yogurt at position D and when swallowing jelly, thickened water, and water at position B (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05). In healthy volunteers, muscle activation typically began from positions A or B to position D, whereas in dysphagia patients, it sometimes began from position D.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in duration and sequence patterns of four sEMG activities between healthy young volunteers and dysphagia patients in the assessment using the sensor sheet, although some technical and scientific problems remained unresolved. These results indicate that swallowing function could be evaluated using the sensor sheet.

Correlation of Temporal Parameters of Laryngeal Excursion by Using Force-Sensing Resistor Sensors with Hyoid Motion in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

Small flexible force-sensing resistor (FSR) sensors can detect laryngeal excursion during swallowing, but the detected laryngeal excursion has not been correlated with videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results. Here, we tested the correlation of temporal parameters between the laryngeal excursion recording by FSR sensor and the hyoid motion recording by VFSS under simultaneously swallowing test recordings. Swallowing measurements were recorded in a radiological suite by simultaneously using VFSS and FSR sensors to detect hyoid motion and laryngeal excursion, respectively. Volunteers sat with their head vertical to the Frankfort plane. Two FSR sensors, each for detecting thyroid cartilage excursion and thumb pressing, were placed. VFSS images and FSR sensor signals during single 5-mL barium liquid (30% wt/volume %) bolus swallowing were collected and analyzed for four swallows per participant. In total, 15 men (28.0 ± 4.1 years old); 14 women (28.4 ± 4.2 years old) were recruited. Temporal parameters between VFSS and noninvasive system demonstrated a strong correlation by Pearson's correlation analysis: in men (R = 0.953-0.999) and in women (R = 0.813-0.982), except for VT1-V1 compared with FT1-F1, which demonstrated a moderate correlation in women (R = 0.648; all p < 0.001). Only VT1-V1 and FT1-F1 in women displayed a significant difference (p = 0.001). Therefore, this is the first study to simultaneous record VFSS and noninvasive signals by FSR sensor. The correlation of temporal parameters between these two tests was strong. This finding is valuable for future applications of this noninvasive swallowing study tool.

A Systematic Review of the Influence of Bolus Characteristics on Respiratory Measures in Healthy Swallowing

There have been a number of studies on the effect of bolus volume, consistency, texture, temperature and taste on the oropharyngeal swallowing physiology. However, its influence on the respiratory function associated with swallow is not well understood. This study aimed at systematically analysing and documenting the prevailing research literature on respiratory functions before, during, and after healthy swallows of boluses with varied characteristics. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for retrieval of relevant research. From among the 48,329 reports screened for inclusion criteria, 25 articles were included for data extraction. Each of these reports was evaluated for its design, methodology and reporting quality and also the level of evidence provided by them. The results revealed that the scientific evidence in this regard was restricted to level II. Majority of the studies included considered bolus volume as the variable than bolus consistency, taste or temperature. Expiratory phase was preferred surrounding the apnea irrespective of volume, consistency or taste but changed with temperature variations across age groups. The reports are equivocal on the duration of respiratory apnea, and length of respiratory cycles before and after the apnea. The temporal coordination of pharyngeal swallow events was found to be independent of bolus volume. This review concluded that bolus characteristics have differential effects on the respiratory functions during swallow beyond a 'central sensory threshold' level. Objective standardization of bolus characteristics may be the immediate requirement for generalization of future research findings in this direction.

Clinical swallowing prognostic indicators in patients with acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

A swallowing disorder is present in more than 50% of patients with acute stroke. To identify clinical prognostic indicators of the swallowing function in a population with acute ischemic stroke and to determine prioritization indicators for swallowing rehabilitation.

METHODS

Participants were adults admitted to the emergency room who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Data gathering involved a swallowing assessment to determine the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS) and the verification of demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

The study sample included 295 patients. For analysis purposes, patients were grouped as follows: ASHA NOMS levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n = 51); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n = 96); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n = 148). Statistical analyses indicated that patients who presented a poorer swallowing function (ASHA1) were older (age ≥ 70 years); had anterior circulation infarct; had lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤ 14 points); took longer to initiate swallowing rehabilitation; had longer hospital stays; made more use of alternative feeding methods; needed more sessions of swallowing rehabilitation to remove alternate feeding methods; took longer to return to oral feeding and had poorer outcomes (fewer individuals discharged from swallowing rehabilitation sessions and increased mortality).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted to the emergency room, aged ≥ 70 years, score on the GCS ≤ 14, anterior circulation infarct and dementia should be prioritized for swallowing assessment and rehabilitation.

Respiratory Phase and Lung Volume Patterns During Swallowing in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose The coordination of respiration with swallowing is critical for facilitation of airway protection and the efficiency of movements that propel ingested material through the upper aerodigestive tract. Confirmation of a predominant pattern in healthy adults provides a platform for comparison to aberrant patterns observed in the population with swallowing impairment (dysphagia). Method A comprehensive search of published research in MEDLINE via PubMed 1946-2018, Embase 1947-2018, and Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global 1861-2018 was completed. Results Thirty-seven articles meeting inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction, and the findings were reviewed. In addition, a meta-analysis of the data was completed. A significantly higher occurrence ( p < .001) of expiration prior to and following the swallow was found when compared to 3 other patterns. The predominance of the pattern was influenced by increases in bolus volume when controlling for participant sample size. Conclusion Determination of this predominant pattern provides a normative framework for evaluating respiratory-swallow coordination in adults across the age span and highlights the relevance for assessing and incorporating respiratory swallowing coordination during assessment and interventions.

Oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with presbyphagia

[Purpose] This study investigated the characteristics of oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with presbyphagia. [Participants and Methods] Data for 25 patients with presbyphagia were retrospectively analyzed. The oropharyngeal swallowing function was evaluated using VDS based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] Lip closure, mastication, laryngeal elevation, and aspiration showed a relative decrease in function. [Conclusion] This study showed a reduction in oropharyngeal swallowing in patients with presbyphagia. Our results may help in the diagnosis and treatment of presbyphagia.

Pharyngeal swallowing in older adults: Kinematic analysis using three-dimensional dynamic computed tomography

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of age on swallowing with a focus on structural movement, timing and duration of physiologic events.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary University Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling adults (3 age groups): younger 20 to 39 (n = 23; mean 32 ± 5), middle-aged 40 to 59 (n = 29; mean 49 ± 5) and older adults 60 to 74 (n = 15; mean 67 ± 5).

INTERVENTION

One 10-mL honey-thick liquid (1700 mPa) swallow was studied using 320-row area detector computed tomography scanning.

MEASUREMENTS

Kinematic analysis was performed for each swallow including temporal characteristics and structural movements.

RESULTS

The duration of velopharyngeal closure and laryngeal closure (including epiglottis inversion, laryngeal vestibule closure, true vocal cord closure) was significantly different by age group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.017, P = 0.041, respectively). Events were prolonged in older adults compared with middle-aged and younger adults. The pharyngeal phase was longer for older adults. Velopharyngeal closure started earlier and continued until after complete UES opening. In younger adults, velopharyngeal and laryngeal opening occurred before complete UES opening. No differences were found in bolus movement through the oropharynx by group.

CONCLUSION

During swallowing, older adults had a longer pharyngeal phase characterised by prolonged velopharyngeal and laryngeal closure. This difference may be a protective mechanism to compensate for age-related weakness. A better understanding of the mechanism by which this adaptation occurs is needed to tailor rehabilitation strategies and to maintain swallowing function during the lifespan.

Home-Based Orolingual Exercise Improves the Coordination of Swallowing and Respiration in Early Parkinson Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Before-and-After Exercise Program Study

Introduction: The coordination of swallowing and respiration is important for safety swallowing without aspiration. This coordination was affected in Parkinson disease (PD). A noninvasive assessment tool was used to investigate the effect of an easy-to-perform and device-free home-based orolingual exercise (OLE) program on swallowing and respiration coordination in patients with early-stage PD.

Materials and Methods: This study had a quasi-experimental before-and-after exercise program design. Twenty six patients with early-stage PD who were aged 62.12 ± 8.52 years completed a 12-week home-based OLE program. A noninvasive assessment tool was used to evaluate swallowing and respiration. For each patient, we recorded and analyzed 15 swallows (3 repeats of 5 water boluses: 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 mL) before and after the home-based OLE program. Oropharyngeal swallowing and its coordination with respiration were the outcome measures. The frequency of piecemeal deglutition, pre- and post-swallowing respiratory phase patterns, and parameters of oropharyngeal swallowing and respiratory signals (swallowing respiratory pause [SRP], onset latency [OL], total excursion time [TET], excursion time [ET], second deflexion, amplitude, and duration of submental sEMG activity, and amplitude of laryngeal excursion) were examined.

Results: The rate of piecemeal deglutition decreased significantly when swallowing 10- and 20-mL water boluses after the program. In the 1-mL water bolus swallowing trial, the rate of protective pre- and post-swallowing respiratory phase patterns was significantly higher after the program. For the parameters of oropharyngeal swallowing and respiratory signals, only the amplitude of laryngeal excursion was significantly lower after the program. Moreover, the volume of the water bolus significantly affected the SRP and duration of submental sEMG when patients swallowed three small water bolus volumes (1, 3, and 5 mL).

Conclusion: The home-based OLE program improved swallowing and its coordination with respiration in patients with early-stage PD, as revealed using a noninvasive method. This OLE program can serve as a home-based program to improve swallowing and respiration coordination in patients with early-stage PD.

Effects of age and viscosity on food transport and breathing-swallowing coordination during eating of two-phase food in nursing home residents

AIM

When eating food that contains both liquid and solid phases, the liquid component frequently enters the hypopharynx before swallowing and can increase the risk of aspiration. Thus, we examined whether the initial viscosity of mixed consistency food could alter pre-swallow food transport and breathing-swallowing coordination in older adults.

METHODS

Fiberoptic endoscopy was recorded while 18 healthy young adults and 19 older adults ate 5 g of steamed rice combined with 3 mL of blue-dye water. Liquid viscosity was set at three levels by the addition of a thickening agent (0 wt%, thin; 2 wt%, thicker; 4 wt%, higher-viscosity, respectively). We measured the timing of swallow initiation and its corresponding respiratory phase for each participant.

RESULTS

For thin mixed consistency food, whereas the timing of swallow initiation was comparable between young and older participants, swallowing was initiated during inspiration significantly more often in older participants (31.6 %) than in young participants (5.6 %). In contrast, the timing of swallow initiation was delayed in older participants for thicker and higher-viscosity foods, although swallowing was commonly initiated during expiration in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In older adults, we observed that swallow initiation function was preserved for thin mixed consistency samples, but breathing-swallowing coupling was diminished. For higher-viscosity foods, swallow initiation was delayed in this group, but breathing-swallowing coordination was not disturbed, probably as a result of the slow bolus flow into the hypopharynx. Thus, it appears the initial viscosity of mixed consistency food profoundly affects food transport before swallowing as well as breathing-swallowing coordination in nursing home residents. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2171-2177.

Identification of the most significant electrode positions in electromyographic evaluation of swallowing-related movements in humans

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a well-established procedure for recording swallowing-related muscle activities. Because the use of a large number of sEMG channels is time consuming and technically sophisticated, the aim of this study was to identify the most significant electrode positions associated with oropharyngeal swallowing activities. Healthy subjects (N = 16) were tested with a total of 42 channels placed in M. masseter, M. orbicularis oris, submental and paralaryngeal regions. Each test subject swallowed 10 ml of water five times. After having identified 16 optimal electrode positions, that is, positions with the strongest signals quantified by the highest integral values, differences to 26 other ones were determined by a Mann-Whitney U test. Kruskal-Wallis H test was utilized for the analysis of differences between single subjects, subject subgroups, and single electrode positions. Factors associated with sEMG signals were examined in a linear regression. Sixteen electrode positions were chosen by a simple ranking of integral values. These positions delivered significantly higher signals than the other 26 positions. Differences between single electrode positions and between test subjects were also significant. Sixteen most significant positions were identified which represent swallowing-related muscle potentials in healthy subjects.

Non-invasive Assessment of Swallowing and Respiration Coordination for the OSA Patient

The objectives of this study are to investigate swallowing and its coordination with respiration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary referred Medical Center. A non-invasive method of assessing swallowing was used to detect the oropharyngeal swallowing parameters and the coordination with respiration during swallowing. The system used to assess swallowing detected: (1) movement of the larynx using a force-sensing resistor; (2) submental muscle activity using surface electromyography; and (3) coordination with respiration by measuring nasal airflow. Five sizes of water boluses (maximum 20 mL) were swallowed three times, and the data recorded and analyzed for each participant. Thirty-nine normal controls and 35 patients with OSA who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. The oropharyngeal swallowing parameters of the patients differed from the controls, including longer total excursion duration and shorter duration of submental muscles contraction. A longer swallowing respiratory pause (SRP), temporary coordination with respiration during swallowing, was demonstrated in the patients compared with the controls. The frequency of non-expiratory/expiratory pre- and postswallowing respiratory phase patterns of the patients was similar with the controls. There was significantly more piecemeal deglutition in OSA patients when clumping 10- and 20-mL water boluses swallowing together (p = 0.048). Oropharyngeal swallowing and coordination with respiration affected patients with OSA, and it could be detected using a non-invasive method. The results of this study may serve as a baseline for further research and help advance research methods in obstructive sleep apnea swallowing studies.

The effects of video observation of chewing during lunch on masticatory ability, food intake, cognition, activities of daily living, depression, and quality of life in older adults with dementia: a study protocol of an adjusted randomized controlled trial

Background

Masticatory functioning alters with age. However, mastication has been found to be related to, for example, cognitive functioning, food intake, and some aspects of activities of daily living. Since cognitive functioning and activities of daily living show a decline in older adults with dementia, improving masticatory functioning may be of relevance to them. A possible way to improve mastication may be showing videos of people who are chewing. Observing chewing movements may activate the mirror neuron system, which becomes also activated during the execution of that same movement. The primary hypothesis is that the observation of chewing has a beneficial effect on masticatory functioning, or, more specifically, masticatory ability of older adults with dementia. Secondary, the intervention is hypothesized to have beneficial effects on food intake, cognition, activities of daily living, depression, and quality of life.

Methods/Design

An adjusted parallel randomized controlled trial is being performed in dining rooms of residential care settings. Older adults with dementia, for whom also additional eligibility criteria apply, are randomly assigned to the experimental (videos of chewing people) or control condition (videos of nature and buildings), by drawing folded pieces of paper. Participants who are able to watch each other’s videos are assigned to the same study condition. The intervention takes place during lunchtime, from Monday to Friday, for 3 months. During four moments of measurement, masticatory ability, food intake, cognitive functioning, activities of daily living, depression, and quality of life are assessed. Tests administrators blind to the group allocation administer the tests to participants.

Discussion

The goal of this study is to examine the effects of video observation of chewing on masticatory ability and several secondary outcome measures. In this study, the observation of chewing is added to the execution of the same action (i.e., during eating). Beneficial effects on masticatory ability, and consequently on the other outcome measures are hypothesized. The intervention may be easily integrated into daily care, and might add to the lives of the increasing number of older adults with dementia by beneficially influencing multiple daily life functions.

Trial registration

NTR5124. Registration date: 30 March 2015.

Integrated non-invasive measurements reveal swallowing and respiration coordination recovery after unilateral stroke

BACKGROUND

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common after a stroke. Understanding the physiology of swallowing and its coordination with respiration in stroke recovery is crucially important.

METHODS

A non-invasive swallowing assessment method was used to detect oropharyngeal swallowing and respiration coordination simultaneously during the swallowing process. This system detected movement of the larynx, submental muscle activity, and nasal airflow. Six different sizes of water boluses (maximum of 20 mL) were swallowed and assessed for each subject.

KEY RESULTS

We recruited 59 healthy participants and 38 first ever unilateral stroke patients completed baseline and follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months poststroke. The results showed that oropharyngeal swallowing parameters in unilateral stroke deviate from normal patterns. For respiration coordination, the unilateral stroke group had longer swallowing apnea duration but similar frequencies of pre- and postswallowing respiratory phase patterns compared with the healthy controls. The probability of piece-meal deglutition was higher in the stroke group than in the control group. Additionally, there were gradually decreasing piece-meal deglutition probabilities among the stroke patients at follow-up, and none differed statistically from those of the controls at 6 months poststroke.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The non-invasive swallowing and respiration assessment method applied in this study detected the changes manifested in swallowing and respiration during the subacute phase of recovery in 6 months after a unilateral stroke. The study results serve as a baseline for further research and help advance dysphagia research methodologies. These assessments may be combined with bedside evaluations for clinical application.

Development of a portable non-invasive swallowing and respiration assessment device

Dysphagia is a condition that happens when a person cannot smoothly swallow food from the mouth to the stomach. It causes malnourishment in patients, or can even cause death due to aspiration pneumonia. Recently, more and more researchers have focused their attention on the importance of swallowing and respiration coordination, and the use of non-invasive assessment systems has become a hot research trend. In this study, we aimed to integrate the timing and pattern monitoring of respiration and swallowing by using a portable and non-invasive approach which can be applied at the bedside in hospitals or institutions, or in a home environment. In this approach, we use a force sensing resistor (FSR) to detect the motions of the thyroid cartilage in the pharyngeal phase. We also use the surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect the contraction of the submental muscle in the oral phase, and a nasal cannula to detect nasal airflow for respiration monitoring during the swallowing process. All signals are received and processed for swallowing event recognition. A total of 19 volunteers participated in the testing and over 57 measurements were made. The results show that the proposed approach can effectively distinguish the swallowing function in people of different ages and genders.