Keiko Aihara, SLHT, MS, Yoko Inamoto, SLHT, PhD, Yoichiro Aoyagi, MD, PhD, Seiko Shibata, MD, DMSc, Hitoshi Kagaya, MD, DMSc, Yuriko Sato, SLHT, MS,
Masanao Kobayashi, Rt, PhD, Eiichi Saitoh, MD, DMSc
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 11: 35-42, 2020
Purpose: This study analyzed the effect of the tonguehold
swallow (THS) on the pharyngeal cavity during
swallowing three-dimensionally using 320-row area
detector computed tomography (320-ADCT). We
hypothesized a greater decrease in pharyngeal volume
with the THS than with the saliva swallow (SS); that
is, the pharyngeal cavity would be more constricted
with the THS.
Methods: The THS and SS were examined using 320-
ADCT in six speech language pathologists (22‐29 years
old). Pharyngeal volume, hyolaryngeal displacement,
and cross-sectional area of the upper esophageal
sphincter (UES) were measured frame-by-frame and
compared between the two swallows.
Results: Although some participants showed smaller
pharyngeal volume with the THS than hypothesized,
others showed larger pharyngeal volume. With the
THS, the hyoid bone was positioned significantly
higher at swallow onset, the hyoid and larynx were
significantly higher at maximum superior displacement,
and the cross-sectional area of the UES was significantly
larger.
Discussion: No constant effect of the THS on
pharyngeal volume was found. The THS may influence
hyolaryngeal elevation and UES opening. Further
study is necessary to consider the methodology of the
THS, such as tongue protrusion length.
Key words: tongue-hold swallow, 320-row area detector CT, dysphagia