Swallowing Analysis Using DIPP-Motion Pro 2D

Cineradiography enables the second stage of swallowing to be analyzed visually in hyoid and laryngeal movements during swallowing, but cost and preparation time have limited its clinical dissemination. To overcome this, we computerized quantitative video fluorographic imaging using commercially available DIPP-Motion Pro 2D® software. This has the advantages of 1) DV images are fed to the computer as animation and analyzed directly; 2) numerous points can be marked and tracked automatically, 3) with coordinate setting and scale correction, movement distance and velocity are measured automatically, and 4) functions synchronizing graphs with cineradiography video facilitate visual understanding. We quantitatively studied swallowing in 6 subjects without dysphagia. Median hyoid bone movement is 10.5 mm on the abscissa and 16.2 mm on the ordinate. Median laryngeal movement is 9.3 mm on the abscissa and 25.1 mm on the ordinate. Maximum bolus is 1011.3 mm/sec. We analyzed swallowing conveniently and effectively, displaying data with visual information. This makes it a handy tool for analyzing swallowing quantitatively in clinical practice. It also enables us to exchange information effectively with other medical personnel and gain informed consent.