Validation of the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver.
OBJECTIVE
The pharyngeal squeeze maneuver (PSM) is a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength on endoscopy. The validity of this measure has not been reported. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the validity of the PSM.


METHODS
Case series with planned data collection.


METHODS
Simultaneous endoscopic and fluoroscopic swallow evaluations were performed on a cohort of individuals with dysphagia. The PSM was compared to a validated measure of pharyngeal strength, the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR). An elevated PCR indicates a weakened pharynx.


RESULTS
The mean PCR for subjects with an intact PSM was 0.06 (+/- 0.08), compared to a mean PCR of 0.31 (+/- 0.20) for individuals with an absent PSM. The PCR was significantly higher, indicating a weaker pharynx, in persons with an absent PSM (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The PCR is elevated in persons with a diminished pharyngeal squeeze. These data suggest the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver is a valid surrogate measure of pharyngeal motor integrity.
Fuller
Scott C
SC
Center for Voice and Swallowing, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.
Leonard
Rebecca
R
Aminpour
Shervin
S
Belafsky
Peter C
PC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results