Which of the following are common swallow therapy exercises used for oropharyngeal dysphagia?

• A. Effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, supraglottic swallow, Shaker (head-raising) exercise, and tongue-holding maneuver
• B. Effortful swallow and Mendelsohn maneuver only
• C. Supraglottic swallow and Shaker exercise
• D. Tongue thrust exercises only

Answer: (A)

The idea behind swallow therapy for oropharyngeal dysphagia is to use a set of targeted maneuvers that address different parts of the swallow mechanism—strengthening pharyngeal constriction, improving airway protection, and enhancing hyolaryngeal elevation to aid swallowing safely. The best option includes all the commonly taught exercises: effortful swallow (increases posterior pharyngeal wall contraction and overall swallow effort), Mendelsohn maneuver (prolongs hyolaryngeal elevation to help keep the airway protected and widen the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter), supraglottic swallow (facilitates rapid glottic closure to reduce penetration or aspiration during swallow), Shaker (head-raising) exercise (improves anterior hyolaryngeal excursion and UES opening), and tongue-holding (Masako) maneuver (strengthens posterior pharyngeal wall squeeze). Together, these target multiple deficits seen in dysphagia and are commonly used in practice. Other options omit one or more of these key maneuvers or include items like tongue thrust exercises, which aren’t standard swallow therapies for this condition.