Influence of handgrip strength on pharyngeal transit time in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between Handgrip Strength (HGS), dysphagia classification, nutritional aspects, and Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) in subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Methods: Study based on the analysis of secondary data from a database. The sample comprised 15 COPD patients of both sexes and a mean age of 65.

Outcomes of manual therapy on the biomechanics of swallowing in individuals with COPD.

Purpose: Several swallowing disorders have been reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients due to the mechanical disadvantage of the respiratory muscles caused by hyperinflation. To date, no reports have been found in the literature among the therapeutic strategies on the use of manual therapy (MT) to manage swallowing disorders in COPD. The aim of the study was to verify the outcomes of a TM program on the biomechanics of swallowing of individuals with COPD.