Swallowing Pressure Profiles in Healthy Adults

The Swallowing Systems Core laboratory is fully equipped to perform VFSS with a C-arm (OEC 9900) that is dedicated solely for research purposes. VFSS recordings will be kept to a minimum and only turned on during the execution of each swallow in all sequences. Video recording and images captured during the VFSS will be synced and saved to a secure server for data analysis. VFSS allows for time-synced, frame-by-frame data analysis for the specific measures taken during swallowing tasks. The physiological swallowing measures (temporal and kinematic movement of the hyolaryngeal complex during swallowing) cannot be visualized with any other technique. Patients will swallow only water. Aspiration (bolus into trachea) is not expected to occur during this study given that the individuals recruited will have no prior history of disease or disorder, and aspiration is uncommon in healthy individuals.

This procedure will only take place once during sequence 2 of the randomization B session. If desired, a small amount (< 0.5 mL) of topical 2% viscous lidocaine hydrochloride will be applied to the participant's nostril of choice prior to catheter insertion. The catheter will be placed through the nasal passage, oropharynx, and hypopharynx to the esophagus. Correct catheter placement will be verified with VFSS. With the catheter in place, the subject will perform 10 swallows of 10ml and is expected to take approximately 2.5 minutes. The catheter will then be removed and the subject will move on to sequence 3. Individuals have the option to decline this procedure if it is uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate.