Exercise using tongue-holding swallow does not improve swallowing function in normal subjects

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of repetitive tongue-holding swallow (THS) as an exercise for improving swallowing function. Twenty healthy subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group [THS group (THSG)] performed the tongue-holding manoeuvre every 5 s for 20 min. The other group (normal swallow group) swallowed without tongue-holding for the same length of time as a control. Twenty sessions of training were performed for 4 weeks. All participants also had a videofluoroscopic swallowing study for analysing the biomechanical parameters of swallowing (hyolaryngeal movement, posterior pharyngeal wall movement and the pharyngeal constriction ratio). After 4 weeks of training, none of the biomechanical parameters changed in either group. Exercise using THS did not affect swallowing function in normal subjects.