Work

Variations in Head-Neck Posture and Hyoid Kinematics in Patients With Stroke and Aspiration Risk: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To observe alterations in head-neck posture and hyoid kinematics in patients with stroke and aspiration risk. Design A prospective observational study. Setting Hospital inpatient unit. Participants A total of 24 patients (N=24) with stroke were included in this study: 12 patients with high aspiration risk (7 men and 5 women) aged 62-77 years (median=72.50; IQR, 64.00-74.00) and 12 patients with low aspiration risk (8 men and 4 women) aged 50-80 years (median=66.00; IQR, 58.25-71.25). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Head-neck posture was assessed by craniovertebral angle (CVA), coronal C2-C7 Cobb angle, and cervical range of motion (CROM). Hyoid kinematics were evaluated via anterior horizontal displacement, superior horizontal displacement, and motion duration. Results Compared with the low aspiration risk group, the high aspiration risk group exhibited a significantly smaller CVA and reduced CROM, along with diminished hyoid displacement ( P <.05). Additionally, CROM for active extension was significantly greater than that for passive extension in the high aspiration risk group ( z =−2.937, P =.003). Correlation analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations between head-neck posture (CVA and CROM for active and passive extension) and hyoid displacement (superior- horizontal displacement and anterior- horizontal displacement) ( P< .001). Conclusions This study observed variations in head-neck posture and hyoid kinematics in patients with stroke and aspiration risk and found positive correlations between them. Our results suggest that abnormal head-neck posture may be a relevant factor influencing swallowing function, and indicate new strategies and insights for patients with stroke.

Source: Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation

DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2025.100570