Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease, which causes weakness in the pharyngeal musculature and dysphagia. This investigation presents the relevant literature and describes the swallowing deficits. Four participants with OPMD completed this A-BA-B design study. Primary measures included duration and extent of UES opening, stasis in the valleculae and pyriform sinuses, hyolaryngeal excursion, strength of the chin tuck and tongue to palate pressure strength. Secondary measures included a qualitative measure of eating satisfaction, swallow capacity measured by the Timed Water Swallow, and IDDSI diet rating. Chin tuck against resistance exercises (CTAR) was used to improve swallow function with limited results. Implications for strength training for swallowing in this disease are discussed.
