Physiological variability in the deglutition literature: hyoid and laryngeal kinematics

Abstract

A literature review was conducted on hyoid and/or laryngeal displacement during swallowing in healthy populations according to several inclusion criteria. Anterior and superior displacement measures of both structures from previously published studies were compiled for meta-analysis. Results showed a large degree of variability across studies for each structure and plane of movement. Potential sources of variation were identified, including statistical, methodological, stimulus-related, and participant-related sources.

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

Figures

Figure 1

Mean and 95% confidence intervals for anterior hyoid excursion from the 13 studies that met inclusion criteria (ml = milliliters, mm = millimeters).

Figure 2

Mean and 95% confidence intervals for superior hyoid excursion from the 13 studies that met inclusion criteria (ml = milliliters, mm = millimeters)

Figure 3

Mean and 95% confidence intervals for anterior laryngeal excursion from the 5 studies that met inclusion criteria (ml = milliliters, mm = millimeters).

Figure 4

Mean and 95% confidence intervals for superior laryngeal excursion from the 5 studies that met inclusion criteria (ml = milliliters, mm = millimeters).