Supraglottic Swallow Maneuver

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When To Use The Supraglottic Swallow Maneuver

supraglottic maneuver

The supraglottic swallow maneuver aims to:

  • Prevent aspiration by closing the airway at the level of the vocal folds before and during the swallow, and…
  • Clear residue after the swallow.

During this exercise, the patient voluntarily closes their vocal folds by holding their breath before and during the swallow and then coughing immediately after the swallow.

Supraglottic Swallow Contraindications

Patients must be able to follow multi-step directions. This maneuver may not be appropriate for patients with cognitive impairments.

If the patient has a heart condition, consult with their doctor before recommending this maneuver.

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Table Of Contents
  1. When To Use The Supraglottic Swallow Maneuver
  2. How To Do The Supraglottic Swallow
  3. …But Is It Evidence-Based?
  4. References
  5. Patient Handouts

How To Do The Supraglottic Swallow

supraglottic swallow
  1. Breathe in then hold your breath
  2. While holding your breath, swallow
  3. Cough out the breath you were holding as strong as possible

…But Is It Evidence-Based?

dysphagia treatment videos

It can be confusing when the dysphagia treatment literature contradicts itself. One study may find that a certain exercise is effective. While another finds the exact opposite!

But just because a certain exercise lacks proof, doesn’t necessarily mean that it shouldn’t be used (Langmore, S.E. & Pisegna, J.M., 2015).

So what’s a clinician to do?

First of all, keep up with the research and current best practices! But also be guided by the principles of motor learning, neuroplasticity, and exercise rehabilitation.

Below is a quick review. To learn more, read How To Make Dysphagia Treatment Exercises More Effective.

  • Work at the patient’s level
  • Keep exercises salient (the best exercise for swallowing is swallowing!)
  • Be specific
  • Emphasize correct form
  • Repeat, repeat, repeat
  • Do different types of movements
  • Gradually increase the challenge

References

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Adult Dysphagia. (Practice Portal). Retrieved May, 10, 2023, from www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Adult-Dysphagia/
  • Langmore, S.E., & Pisegna, J.M. (2015). Efficacy of exercise to rehabilitate dysphagia: A critique of the literature. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17(3), 222-229.

Patient Handouts

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ElizabethVerified Purchase of The Dysphagia Pack
The material found in this packet is so informational and easy to access! I am very excited to print and bind this PDF file and use it during my CFY in a SNF! Highly recommend for any SLP in the medical field, seasoned or not! 🙂
BrookeVerified Purchase of The Dysphagia Pack
As a CFY-SLP in my 4th month, I appreciate this bundle SO MUCH! It’s helped me guide my evals and treatment sessions with clear and clean templates. I love how each section is tailored to that specific target (voice, motor speech, dysphagia, etc). HIGHLY RECOMMEND
LaurenVerified Purchase of The Starter Pack

For evidence-based patient handouts, worksheets, templates, and much more, check out The Adult Speech Therapy Starter Pack!

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