Comparison of sequential swallowing in patients with acute stroke and healthy adults.
OBJECTIVE
To compare hyolaryngeal complex (HLC) movement and leading-edge-of-the-bolus location patterns of sequential swallowing in patients with stroke and healthy adults, and to determine whether these patterns affect swallowing safety.


METHODS
Between-groups comparison.


METHODS
Veterans hospital.


METHODS
Consecutively admitted patients with acute unilateral supratentorial stroke (right hemisphere damage, n=13; left hemisphere damage, n=16) and age-matched healthy participants (n=25).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
HLC movement pattern, bolus location, Penetration-Aspiration (P-A) Scale score.


RESULTS
No significant group differences were observed for HLC movement pattern, bolus location, and P-A Scale score. Specific HLC movement patterns and bolus location were not associated with a higher P-A Scale score. A significant correlation between HLC movement pattern and bolus location was observed. Bolus location was typically inferior to the valleculae between swallows when the HLC was partially elevated. Across all groups, P-A Scale scores were significantly higher during sequential swallowing than single swallows.


CONCLUSIONS
HLC movement pattern and bolus location do not appear related to airway invasion, at least in persons without significant dysphagia. Given higher P-A Scale scores during sequential swallowing as compared with single swallows, sequential swallowing should always be evaluated in all patients.
Murguia
Monica
M
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
Corey
David M
DM
Daniels
Stephanie K
SK
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*