What was the correlation of esophageal manometry and scintigraphy in Chinese was studied. Thirty-two volunteers (M/F: 18/14, age: 20-57) without evident esophageal motor disturbance and chest deformity underwent manometric measurement in the spine position using a low compliance pneumohydraulic infusion system. These measurements included the location of both upper and lower esophageal sphincter from nostril, and dry or wet swallow elicited peristaltic speed in the lower esophageal segment. Within one week after manometry, they swallowed a technetium-99m colloid bolus to measure radionuclide manifested esophageal transit time in the supine position beneath a gamma-camera. Body heights of enrolled subjects exhibited a significant positive correlation (r = 0.458, p < 0.01) with manometry measured esophageal lengths. Mean radionuclide esophageal transit time was 7.61 +/- 2.51 sec (3.1-13.57 sec). These transit times exhibited a positive correlation with esophageal lengths (r = 0.6, p < 0.001). Radionuclide transit speed was actually slower than either dry swallow or wet swallow elicited speed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, either manometry or scintigraphy manifests their specific benefits to diagnose esophageal motility disorders. Some correlations of measured variables can be obtained if they are simultaneously employed.