The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanomyogram (MMG) and electromyogram (EMG) of digastric muscle during swallowing reflex to assess its function. Ten healthy subjects without swallowing impairments were recruited, and water, yogurt drink and pudding were used for assessment of swallowing function. The pharyngeal sound was recorded from near the Adam's apple with pharynx microphone, and it was used to confirm the occurrence of swallowing reflex. The MMG and surface EMG were measured on anterior belly of left digastric muscle. The bursts of the MMG and EMG were observed during swallowing reflex indicated by the pharyngeal sound. Both the MMG and EMG RMS amplitude were integrated across the period of the bursts, i.e., the MMG and EMG areas, which were strongly correlated with the hardness and amount of drinks and foods. The findings suggest that the MMG and EMG areas reflect digastric muscle activities associated with different food bolus.
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