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Abstract

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