Electromyography (EMG) of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor (IC) and the cricopharyngeal (CP) muscle was recorded in 18 patients with swallowing and/or aspiration problems who were candidates for cricopharyngeal myotomy. The EMG recordings were compared to those of 13 "normal" subjects who did not suffer from such problems. Differences in EMG activity between the control group and the patient group were considered with respect to the clinical symptoms in the patient group. Recording of EMG in the CP and IC muscles is relatively safe, useful, and easily mastered. The technique may provide important information regarding the function of some of the muscles involved in deglutition.