What is sRED?

What does "sRED" mean?

What is sRED?

  • S wallow = swallowing
  • R esistive = Resistance
  • Exercise
  • D evice = device

is an abbreviation for.

Simply put, it is a training tool that adds resistance (load) to the laryngeal elevation action during swallowing.

Why was sRED created?

As its name suggests, sRED is a product aimed at strengthening swallowing function, particularly the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Pharyngeal constrictor muscles play the following important roles during swallowing:

  • Apply pressure to the rear end of the bolus (= the driving force that sends swallowed food into the esophagus)
  • Shortening the entire pharyngeal cavity vertically (= shortening the distance from the oral cavity to the esophagus)
  • Dilates the esophageal entrance (widens the esophageal entrance)

Given their importance, there is a need to strengthen the pharyngeal constrictor muscles; however, because they are located deep within the mouth, for people whose swallowing function has declined due to aging or other reasons, direct tasks (actually eating food and drinking liquids) are difficult to perform due to the high risk of choking or aspiration.

For this reason, we developed sRED with the aim of allowing people who have difficulty performing direct tasks to easily train their pharyngeal constrictor muscles.

Contrasting illustrations or photographs
(Left: choking image, right: sRED training image)



What is the difference between Shakia exercise (larynx elevation exercise)?

As you know, Shakia exercises are similar to sRED in that they both place stress on laryngeal elevation, and at first glance, Shakia exercises may seem sufficient. However, there is a big difference between the two in terms of whether they can be used to solve problems in daily life (problem transferability).

Normally, when eating or drinking something, you do so while standing or sitting with your torso upright.

In Shakia exercises, you lie on your back and pull your chin in to put stress on your laryngeal elevation, which is a far cry from everyday movements. In addition, this position itself places a lot of stress on the elderly, which can make it difficult to perform the essential training.

On the other hand, sRED has the advantage that the load can be adjusted by changing the inflation of the balloon wrapped around the throat, making it suitable for both standing and sitting positions, and that the load can be started with a very low load. Therefore, anyone can easily train in a state close to the actual swallowing movement, making it an easy training to introduce into daily life.

If you would like to know more about how to use it, please see the "How to Use" page.

Comparison image of Shakia Exercise and sRED

(Left: Struggling with Shakia exercise, Right: Smiling with sRED)