Research continues in the area of esophageal motility and our understanding of esophageal peristalsis in health and disease continues to increase. Advances in our understanding of neurologic aspects of peristalsis have been elucidated by a number of studies. Neuromuscular function and morphology have been demonstrated experimentally in the obstructed esophagus. Advances in technique have included attempts to further define the normal range of 24-hour recording. A reverse-perfused sleeve device described this year will enable us to understand the sphincteric function of the crural diaphragm in the future and a newly described sphincterometer may play a role in prolonged ambulatory lower esophageal sphincter monitoring. The usefulness of classifying achalasia into vigorous and classic types has been questioned by two studies in the past year. Studies of the treatment of achalasia within the past year will not have significant impact on currently favored pneumatic dilatation, but transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may, in the future, be an alternate modality to treat achalasia patients. Diffuse esophageal spasm is probably less common than previously thought. Noncardiac chest pain continues to be evaluated with the use of 24-hour esophageal motility, pH monitoring and intraesophageal balloon distention.