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Wu, Linda Xianglin

University of British Columbia

Swallowing efficiency deteriorates with age, but much is unknown regarding the age-related changes. Tongue and lip strength are potential surrogate markers of swallowing efficiency given their correlation with impaired swallowing (dysphagia). Tongue and lip strength have also been associated with grip strength, a common index of overall muscular functioning. To date, oral strength relative to grip strength is not well understood and the tongue is often studied in isolation. Furthermore, sex differences in swallowing remain under-investigated. Using an observational design, 18 healthy adults were stratified into 3 age groups: youngest (<45; n1 = 7), middle (45-65; n2 = 6), oldest (>65; n3 = 5). Participant age ranged from 18 to 80 years. Median (IQR) age was 55.2 (43.4) years. Each group included 1 male, age-matched within approximately one year to a female. Participants were assessed for maximum anterior and posterior tongue strength (kPa) and endurance (s), left and right lip strength (kPa), and grip and pinch strength (N). The sequence of oral measurement positions was randomized. Data was summarized using medians (IQR), and analyzed with nonparametric tests. Across the female sample, anterior tongue strength and endurance were stronger than posterior (strength, p = .009; endurance, p <.001). We are the first to find age-specific strength and endurance differences between tongue positions (Youngest: strength, p = .009; endurance, p < .001). Uniquely, we found lip strength decline with age, p = .047, and positive association between oral and pinch strength (anterior tongue, p <.001; posterior tongue, p = .009; right lip, p = .006; left lip, p = .03). Consistent with previous research, tongue and hand strength decreased with age, particularly in the oldest group (anterior tongue, p = .036; posterior tongue, p = .024; grip, p = .003). Tongue strength positively correlated with grip, p <.001, suggesting generalized age-related decline. Finally, males were stronger than females (left lip, p = .004; grip, p = .004; pinch, p <.001). These findings contribute further understanding of oral structures with age in females, and with further investigations, may inform low-cost dysphagia screening methods and facilitate better patient care.

Text

2024-01-04

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/87072

Audiology and Speech Sciences

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/