Respiratory Activities in Relation to Palatal Muscle Contraction

Abstract

This study Investigated the activities of the tensor and levator veli palatini muscles related to respiration. During quiet breathing, no activity was observed in either muscle. With either hypercapnic or hypoxemic condition, the tensor veli palatini muscle exhibited phasic activity during inspiration. The levator veli palatini muscle showed phasic activity during expiration with hypoxemia (PaO2 < 40 mm Hg). NaCN perfused bilaterally through the carotid sinus induced these respiratory activities. The tensor veli palatini muscle was more sensitive than the levator veli palatini muscle to NaCN.

Effect of expiratory muscle strength training on swallowing‐related muscle strength in community‐dwelling elderly individuals: a randomized controlled trial

“…This result is presumed to reflect an increase in the strength of the bilateral BM and the OOM. Our findings are congruent with those of a previous study by Yanagisawa et al 21 that showed that EMST was a good expiratory training method that included various oral muscles, including the levator veli palatini and the BM 22 . In particular, EMST requires high intraoral pressure as an expiratory activity against resistance, which is achieved through the contraction of both the cheeks.…”

Effects of expiratory muscle strength training on oropharyngeal dysphagia in subacute stroke patients: a randomised controlled trial

“…EMST is known to aid in strengthening of various oral and pharyngeal muscles, such as the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, supralaryngeal and levator veli palatini muscles, as well as the suprahyoid muscles, as involved in swallowing (40)(41)(42). In particular, the levator veli palatini muscle is known to play an essential role in the prevention of aspiration during swallowing (42). Moreover, afferent stimulation of the peripheral sensory receptors of the tongue and oropharynx increases the activity of the swallowing centre located in the brain stem (43).…”

Implications of expiratory muscle strength training for rehabilitation of the elderly: Tutorial

“…The levator veli palatini is a major muscle that elevates and retracts the velum to implement velopharyngeal closure. Levator veli palatini muscle activity is enhanced with expiratory phase like other expiratory muscles [119]. The adequate function of the levator veli palatini is important to reduce or prevent aspiration during swallowing.…”