Laryngeal Adductor Reflex Movement Latency Following Tactile Stimulation

Abstract

Objective

To measure the latency of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) motion onset at 2 laryngopharyngeal subsites using calibrated aesthesiometers.

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Academic institution.

Methods

Twenty-one asymptomatic, healthy subjects (11 male, 10 female) underwent laryngopharyngeal sensory testing with tactile stimuli delivered to the aryepiglottic fold and medial pyriform sinus using 30-mm Cheung-Bearelly monofilaments (4-0 and 5-0 nylon sutures) via channeled flexible laryngoscope. The LAR onset latency, defined as the first visual detection of ipsilateral vocal fold adduction following tactile stimulation, was measured with frame-by-frame analysis of video recordings.

Results

The overall mean LAR latency across both subsites and stimulation forces was 176.6 (95% CI, 170.3-183.0) ms, without significant difference between subsites or forces. The critical value for LAR response latency prolongation at the .01 significance level was 244 ms. At 30 frames/s video capture resolution, LAR response latency ≥8 frame intervals would indicate abnormal prolongation.

Conclusion

Aesthesiometer-triggered LAR latency appears to be invariant over an 8.7-dB force range and between the aryepiglottic fold and medial pyriform sinus subsites in controls. Laryngeal adductor reflex latency incongruences between stimulation forces or laryngopharyngeal subsites may serve as pathophysiological features to dissect mechanisms of upper aerodigestive tract disorders.

Level of Evidence

Level 3B.