Esophageal peristalsis before, during, and after food intake in healthy people.

Esophageal peristalsis in the middle and distal esophagus was analyzed in nine healthy people before, during, and after food intake. A significant increase in amplitude of contractions occurred during and after eating. Furthermore, a significant increase in duration and propagation time of contractions occurred in the distal part of the esophagus during food intake.