Comparison of the Hyoid Movement during the Pharyngolaryngeal Swallowing at the Healthy Young and Old Person

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the movement pattern of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing between healthy young and old person through the motion analysis using the videofluoroscopic study. METHOD: Eight young and eight old volunteers without dysphagia were included in this study. Movement patterns of the hyoid (degree of anterior and superior displacement, the speed, trajectory and temporal speed curve of the hyoid) were analyzed through the videofluoroscopy and the motion analysis system. RESULTS: The maximal anterior displacement and the maximal speed of the hyoid were decreased in the old group compared with the young. The trajectories of the young and old group showed asymmetrical pathway (returning pathway was different from the departing one). All groups showed two speed peaks at the temporal curve but the peaks at the old group were blunted. CONCLUSION: Decrease of the maximal anterior movement and the peak speed of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing was found in the old group. It may be due to decrease in the contraction speed of the muscles related to the hyoid movement and elasticity of the laryngeal wall according to the aging.