Relationship between vertical hyoid bone position and swallowing function in older adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate swallowing function of older adults with lowered hyoid bone position.

METHODS

A total of 60 older adults (23 males and 37 females, mean age: 70.1 years) with no diagnosed dysphagia participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups (High and Low group) based on the anterior point of the hyoid bone (H) with respect to the line connecting the most inferior and anterior point on the corpus of the third cervical vertebra (C3) and Menton (Me). Swallowing function was measured using the Repetitive Saliva Swallow Test (RSST), the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), jaw-opening force (JOF) and tongue pressure (TP). Each group was studied for its relationship to swallowing function. Additionally, the RSST of males and females in the Low group were compared.

RESULTS

Males in the Low group had a significantly higher JOF (P = 0.009) in the RSST ≥ 5 group than in the RSST < 5 group. Females in the Low group had no measurements that showed significant differences between the RSST ≥ 4 and RSST < 4 groups.

CONCLUSION

JOF may affect swallowing function in older males with lowered hyoid bone position.