The Effect of Bolus Consistency and Age on Measurements of Hyolaryngeal Muscular Activity During Swallowing

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of Age and Bolus Consistency on Hyolaryngeal Muscular Activity in older healthy adult males (ages 60-90) as compared to younger healthy males (ages 18-25) using Surface Electromyography (sEMG). Ten young healthy adult male participants (ages 18-25) and ten older healthy adult male participants (ages 60-90) were recruited for this study. The dependent variables for this study were Amplitude and Duration measurements that were obtained from sEMG signals. The sEMG signals were acquired using the Swallowing Signals Lab workstation model (Kaypentax, Montvale NJ). Disposable self-adhesive electrode patches containing three electrodes were placed 1 cm below the inferior rim of the mental protuberance of the mandible. This electrode placement ensured that the electrodes were over the laryngeal elevator muscles. Each participant swallowed each bolus consistency (based on the National Dysphagia Diet levels 1 & 3) five times. The study found that bolus consistency significantly influenced measurements. As bolus consistency became more solid, the amplitude and duration in of sEMG increased. Results also indicated that older males exhibited greater durations during swallows as bolus consistency increased as compared to younger males. No significant effect of age group on amplitude was found. The significant effects of Amplitude and Duration based on different bolus consistency likely resulted from the participants using greater muscular contraction force when swallowing solid boluses. This study contributes to the current knowledge and research that helps us understand how Age and Bolus Consistency effect the Amplitude and Duration of hylolaryngeal muscle activity in healthy younger and older males.