Hyoid excursion during the swallow in stroke survivors

Purpose: The purpose of the investigation was to examine whether duration, distance or velocity of hyoid excursion was associated with aspiration in post-stroke survivors. Methods: Duration, distance and velocity of hyoid excursion were calculated using videofluoroscopic swallowing examinations (VFSEs) of 39 post-stroke survivors. Statistical comparisons were made using a two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) with between subject variable being aspirators and non-aspirators, and within subject variable being bolus volume (5 mL and 10 mL). The significance level was set as p<0.05. Results: The duration of hyoid excursion in aspirators was significantly slower than in non-aspirators. There were no significant differences in hyoid velocity or distance between aspirators and non-aspirators. Conclusions: Slower hyoid excursion duration may put stroke survivors at risk of aspiration. It is necessary for the clinician to design the intervention strategies to compensate for or rehabilitate from slow hyoid excursion in stroke survivors.