Is There Any Relationship Between the Neck Flexor Muscles Endurance, Phonation Time and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Young Individuals?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between neck flexor muscle endurance, phonation time, and peak expiratory flow rate that are used very often in the rehabilitation of dysphagia. Methods: Sixty-one healthy individuals participated in this study (31 females and 30 males). The mean age of the subjects was 20.7±1.33 (19 to 25) years. Demographic characteristics of individuals were recorded. Neck flexor muscles endurance test was performed in supine position. Subjects were asked to lift their head about two fingers above the bed. Time that subjects could maintain the position was recorded. Phonation time was measured while sitting upright position. After a strong inspiration the patients were asked to sustain a vowel sound /a/ as strong and long as possible. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate was evaluated using a peak flowmeter. Results: Statistically, there were positive relationships between neck flexor muscles endurance and phonation time (r=0.475, p<0.001), neck flexor muscles endurance and PEF (r=0.421, p=0.001), and phonation time and PEF (r=0.421, p=0.001). Conclusion: There were positive, moderate correlations between the flexor muscle endurance and phonation time, and between flexor muscle endurance and PEF and also between phonation time and PEF. Neck flexor muscle endurance exercises and phonation exercises could be used in dysphagia rehabilitation. These exercises also need to be investigated in patients with swallowing difficulty. In addition, to prevent patients from the negative effects of the aspiration, expiratory breathing exercises could be included in rehabilitation programs.