Influence of the Chin-Down and Chin-Tuck Maneuver on the Swallowing Kinematics of Healthy Adults

• Published in: Dysphagia 2015-02, Vol.30 (1), p.89-98
• Main Authors: Leigh, Ja-Ho, Oh, Byung-Mo, Seo, Han Gil, Lee, Goo Joo, Min, Yusun, Kim, Keewon, Lee, Jung Chan, Han, Tai Ryoon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chin - anatomy & histology; Comparative analysis; Deglutition; Female; Gastroenterology; Healthy Volunteers; Hepatology; Humans; Hyoid Bone; Imaging; Kinematics; Larynx - anatomy & histology; Larynx - physiology; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original; Original Article; Otorhinolaryngology; Radiology
• ISSN: 0179-051X; 1432-0460
• DOI: 10.1007/s00455-014-9580-3

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the chin-tuck maneuver on the movements of swallowing-related structures in healthy subjects and formulate standard instructions for the maneuver. A total of 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women) swallowed 10 mL of diluted barium solution in a “normal and comfortable” position (NEUT), a comfortable chin-down position (DOWN), and a strict chin-tuck position (TUCK). Resting state anatomy and kinematic changes were analyzed and compared between postures. Although angles of anterior cervical flexion were comparable between DOWN (46.65 ± 9.69 degrees) and TUCK (43.27 ± 12.20), the chin-to-spine distance was significantly shorter in TUCK than in other positions. Only TUCK showed a significantly shorter anteroposterior diameter of the laryngeal inlet (TUCK vs. NEUT, 14.0 ± 4.3 vs. 16.3 ± 5.0 mm) and the oropharynx (18.8 ± 3.1 vs. 20.5 ± 2.8 mm) at rest. The maximal horizontal displacement of the hyoid bone was significantly less in TUCK (9.6 ± 3.0 mm) than in NEUT (12.6 ± 2.6 mm; p