Geriatrics & gerontology international
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Feb 2017
Effects of aging and sarcopenia on tongue pressure and jaw-opening force.
Aging and sarcopenia reduce not only body strength, but also the strength of swallowing muscles. We examined how aging and sarcopenia affect tongue pressure and jaw-opening force. ⋯ We found different characteristics in the effects of aging and sarcopenia based on site and sex. We suggested that aging decreased tongue pressure more than jaw-opening force, and affected men more than women. Sarcopenia affected tongue pressure and jaw-opening force, with the exception of jaw-opening force in women. Considering these characteristics is useful to predict the decline of swallowing function, and provide appropriate interventions preventing dysphagia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 295-301.