Clinical Otolaryngology · 1998 · 67 citations · 0 references
MedicineOtolaryngologySpeech-language PathologyDysphagiaLaryngologySwallowing RehabilitationDysphagia AssessmentOropharyngeal Swallowing PhysiologyPharyngeal PhysiologySwallowing AssessmentSwallowing DisordersSwallowing PhysiologyAge-related Swallowing ChangesManometryPharyngeal ManometryPharyngeal Swallowing MechanicsPharyngeal Swallowing PhysiologyPressure Dynamics During SwallowingSwallowing Pressure DynamicsSwallowing Response Timing
The influence of age and gender on the pharyngeal pressure wave during swallowing was investigated in 73 healthy volunteers using a four-sensor manometry probe. The distal sensor was placed within the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) and three proximal sensors were located in the pharynx 2, 4 and 6 cm above the UOS. Twenty-nine variables describing the amplitude and timing of the swallow waveforms for a 5 ml water bolus were recorded from the pharynx and the UOS. Analysis of the results indicated that aging was associated with slowing of the swallow response in the pharynx, impaired opening of the UOS and a marked reduction in resting UOS tone.