Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between Handgrip Strength (HGS), dysphagia classification, nutritional aspects, and Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) in subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods: Study based on the analysis of secondary data from a database. The sample comprised 15 COPD patients of both sexes and a mean age of 65.7 years. We collected information on HGS, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (V-VST), and Body Mass Index (BMI). We applied correlation, effect size, and logistic regression tests at the 5% significance level. Results: Most individuals had severe COPD (66.7%), mean dominant HGS of 28.2, and non-dominant HGS of 25.3. Five subjects were malnourished, five were well-nourished, and five were obese. Most of them had normal swallowing (40%), normal V-VST results (60%), and PTT of 0.89 s (liquid) and 0.81 s (pudding-thick). There was no significant correlation between the swallowing classification and the other variables. We obtained a significant correlation (p = 0.015), though weak (r = –0.611), between non-dominant HGS and PTT. Regarding the binary logistic regression, HGS variables and HGS asymmetry were not enough to be considered a risk to clinically abnormal swallowing (V-VST). Conclusion: Subjects with COPD in this study had a longer PTT than reported in the literature for normal subjects and a weak correlation between PTT and non-dominant HGS. The variables related to muscle condition were not considered predictors for abnormal swallowing. Level of evidence: 3.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the effects of a tongue coupling program with and without therapy taping on suprahyoid muscles in young women. Methods: participants were 14 women aged 19 to 25 years, allocated into two groups. The Experimental Group did 15-second tongue coupling in combination with tape use without tension, while the Control Group only did tongue coupling. Electromyography was used to analyze the suprahyoid muscles before, during, and after training, at rest, in maximum voluntary contraction, and in swallowing. The domains of amplitude and frequency of the electromyography signal were considered, in situations before, after and during the intervention, after which, the therapy taping appreciation questionnaire was administered. The chi-square test was used for clinical variables, Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare before and after the intervention, and the Friedman ANOVA test was used for the training. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: no statistically significant differences were found in muscle activity when comparing values before and after the intervention at rest and in swallowing in either group or between them. However, there was a general increase in maximum voluntary contraction in both regions, in both groups. There were positive impressions regarding tape use. Conclusion: this approach in this population did not interfere with muscle activity, although there were positive qualitative results regarding the perception of the stimulated area.

RESUMO Objetivo Diversos comprometimentos da deglutição têm sido relatados em indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), tendo como causa a desvantagem mecânica da musculatura respiratória devido à hiperinsuflação. Dentre as estratégias terapêuticas, até o momento, não foram encontrados relatos na literatura sobre o uso da terapia manual (TM) no manejo dos transtornos da deglutição nesta população. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar os desfechos de um programa de TM sobre a biomecânica da deglutição de indivíduos com DPOC. Método Foram avaliados 18 indivíduos com idade média 66,06±8,86 anos, 61,1% (11) homens e VEF1%médio 40,28±16,73 antes e após-programa de TM. As medidas analisadas foram: tempo de trânsito oral, tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF), número de deglutições, resíduos em valéculas (VL) e seios piriformes, penetração/aspiração e excursão hiolaríngea na deglutição das consistências líquida e pastosa. Resultados Houve diferença significativa no TTF (p=0,04), resíduos em VL (p=0,03), elevação máxima do hioide (p=0,003) e deslocamento do hioide (p=0,02) na deglutição da consistência pastosa. Na consistência líquida apenas redução de resíduos em VL (p=0,001). Conclusão O programa de TM interferiu na biomecânica da deglutição de indivíduos DPOC demonstrada pela redução do TTF, resíduos em VL e maior elevação e deslocamento do hioide na consistência pastosa. Na consistência líquida houve redução de resíduos em VL.

ABSTRACT Purpose Several swallowing disorders have been reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients due to the mechanical disadvantage of the respiratory muscles caused by hyperinflation. To date, no reports have been found in the literature among the therapeutic strategies on the use of manual therapy (MT) to manage swallowing disorders in COPD. The aim of the study was to verify the outcomes of a TM program on the biomechanics of swallowing of individuals with COPD. Methods 18 individuals with a mean age of 66.06 ± 8.86 years, 61.1% (11) men, and a FEV1% mean of 40.28 ± 16.73 were evaluated before and after TM. The measures analyzed were: oral transit time, pharyngeal transit time (PTT), number of swallows, vallecular (VL) residue and pyriform sinuses, penetration/aspiration and hyolaryngeal excursion in liquid and pasty consistencies. Results A significant difference was found in PTT (p=0.04), VL residue (p=0.03), maximal hyoid elevation (p=0.003), and displacement of hyoid (p=0.02) in the pasty consistency. In the liquid consistency, we found a decrease in VL residue (p=0.001). Conclusion The MT program influenced the swallowing biomechanics of COPD patients demonstrated by a reduction in PTT and VL residue and increased hyoid elevation and displacement in the pasty consistency. In the liquid consistency, a decrease in VL residue was found.