Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Swallowing Biomechanics in Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively assess maximum hyoid displacement, laryngeal displacement, pharyngeal constriction, and upper esophageal sphincter opening in patients with Parkinson's disease and compare these measures with those of controls with normal videofluoroscopic swallowing findings.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 32 videofluoroscopic swallowing examinations: 16 from patients with Parkinson's disease and 16 from controls. Thin liquid, paste, and solid consistencies were evaluated. Measurements were obtained using ImageJ after image calibration, and between-group comparisons were performed using Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test according to data distribution.

RESULTS

The groups had similar mean ages. Patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrated significantly reduced laryngeal displacement across all consistencies and poorer pharyngeal constriction with thin liquids, as indicated by a larger residual pharyngeal area. No significant between-group differences were observed in maximum hyoid displacement or upper esophageal sphincter opening.

CONCLUSION

In this sample, Parkinson's disease was primarily associated with impaired laryngeal displacement and pharyngeal constriction, potentially affecting airway protection and pharyngeal clearance. Quantitative videofluoroscopic analysis may help identify biomechanical swallowing alterations in this population.