Modulation of pharyngeal swallowing by bolus volume and viscosity

Abstract

The neuromodulation of the healthy oropharyngeal swallow response was described in relation to bolus volume and viscosity challenges, using intraluminal pressure and impedance topography methods. Among a wide range of physiological measures, those indicative of distension pressure, luminal opening, and flow timing were most significantly altered by bolus condition and therefore considered potential markers of swallow neuromodulation. The study methods and associated findings inform a diagnostic framework for swallow assessment in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.