Age-related changes in orofacial force generation in women. |
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| Authors: | M A McHenry J T Minton L L Hartley K Calhoun S S Barlow |
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| Affiliation: | Galveston Institute of Human Communication at The Transitional Learning Community, Texas 77553, USA. |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the effect of age on orofacial force generation. STUDY DESIGN: Forty women participated in a cross-sectional design, with 10 in each age group from 20 to 39, 40 to 59, 60 to 79, and 80 to 100 years of age. METHODS: Measures of force generation were obtained for the upper lip, lower lip, tongue, and jaw. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences among age groups, probably because of large individual variability within groups. Trends indicated a decline, particularly after age 80 years. CONCLUSION: Although trends in the data suggest some decline in the function of orofacial structures with age, it is unlikely that these changes would noticeably affect functional communication. |
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