Exercise using tongue-holding swallow does not improve swallowing function in normal subjects

Summary We evaluated the effects of repetitive tongue-holding swallow (THS) as an exercise for improving swallowing function. Twenty healthy subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group [THS group (THSG)] performed the tongue-holding manoeuvre every 5s for 20min. The other group (normal swallow group) swallowed without tongue-holding for the same length of time as a control. Twenty sessions of training were performed for 4weeks. All participants also had a videofluoroscopic swallowing study for analysing the biomechanical parameters of swallowing (hyolaryngeal movement, posterior pharyngeal wall movement and the pharyngeal constriction ratio). After 4weeks of training, none of the biomechanical parameters changed in either group. Exercise using THS did not affect swallowing function in normal subjects.