Effect of Age, Gender, and Consistency in Normal Swallowing

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of age and gender on the oral and pharyngeal transition durations of three consistencies of the bolus in normal subjects.<BR>Methods : Temporal measurements of swallowing were obtained from 40 normal subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups. This included 20 younger and 20 older subjects, with each age group consisting of males and 10 females. The videofluoroscopic swallowing examination of each subject was analyzed for two 5㎖ thin and nectar thick liquids, and one 5㎖ puree swallows. Two temporal measurements of oropharyngeal swallowing were measured: oral transition time (OTT) and pharyngeal transition time (PTT). Statistical comparisons were made by a three-way analysis of variance (p<.05).<BR>Results : Age and gender did not have a significant effect on the oral transition of the bolus. However, older subjects exhibited longer pharyngeal transition than younger subjects. Longer OTT and PTT were recorded in puree swallows than liquid swallows. <BR>Conclusions : Longer oral and pharyngeal transition of the bolus was recorded for puree than two liquids. The elderly showed an increased pharyngeal transition during the swallow. Although age alone does not put an individual at risk for dysphagia, the elderly populations are in fact more vulnerable to suffer from age related illness dysphagia is frequently accompanied with.