External Pharyngeal Exerciser and Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing

This study of healthy young and elderly individuals is intended to assess the effects of pharyngeal exerciser on pharyngeal pressure phenomenon during swallowing. Our specific aim is to test if the pharyngeal exerciser increases the workload of muscles involved in pharyngeal phase of swallowing.

Inclusion Criteria:Healthy volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older.Exclusion Criteria:Subjects with cervical spine disorders.Subjects with neurological disorders like dementia, cerebrovascular diseases other than Parkinson's DiseaseSubjects with carotid artery bruit or carotid vascular disorders.Subjects suffering from muscle diseases like muscular dystrophies, myopathies.Subjects with neuro-muscular junction disorders myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert disorders.Subjects with any current esophageal symptoms like heartburn, dysphagia, chest pain or regurgitation.Subjects cannot have previous head or neck surgery or radiation.Subjects unable to tolerate nasal intubation.Subjects with significant bleeding disorders for whom nasal intubation has been deemed contraindicated.Subjects with a known upper airway or esophageal obstruction preventing the passage of the manometry probe.Subjects with autonomic dysfunction.Subjects having a history of allergy to lidocaine and barium.Subjects who are pregnant or lactating.Subjects who have advanced medical disorders (e.g.: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, cancer, chronic renal failure, etc.).Subjects who are medically unstable.