Case series with planned data collection.
Simultaneous endoscopic and fluoroscopic swallow evaluations were performed on a cohort of individuals with dysphagia. The PSM was compared to a validated measure of pharyngeal strength, the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR). An elevated PCR indicates a weakened pharynx.
The mean PCR for subjects with an intact PSM was 0.06 (± 0.08), compared to a mean PCR of 0.31 (± 0.20) for individuals with an absent PSM. The PCR was significantly higher, indicating a weaker pharynx, in persons with an absent PSM (P < 0.001).
The PCR is elevated in persons with a diminished pharyngeal squeeze. These data suggest the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver is a valid surrogate measure of pharyngeal motor integrity.