Influence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines, and shoulder girdle range of motion on swallowing function of dependent older adults

Abstract

Although strict relationships were not clarified, the results of the present study suggested the influence of some joint ROM on swallowing function. This suggests the feasibility of preventing dysphagia among dependent older adults by maintaining and enhancing the elasticity and extensibility of their muscles through cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines, and shoulder girdle ROM training. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2565-2572.

Upper body motor function and swallowing impairments and its association in survivors of head and neck cancer: A cross-sectional study

“…This is the first study to show an association between swallowing function and cervical AROM and shoulder strength in sHNC; a poorer cervical AROM and reduced shoulder strength are related to an increased perception of swallowing impairment. A previous crosssectional study [46] reported a reduction in shoulder AROM in dependent older adults to be associated with dysphagia. No clear information exists regarding the relationship between swallowing and shoulder muscle function, but it may be that a loss of strength in the shoulder and cervical regions affects the position of the larynx and consequently its movement during swallowing [46].…”

“…A previous crosssectional study [46] reported a reduction in shoulder AROM in dependent older adults to be associated with dysphagia. No clear information exists regarding the relationship between swallowing and shoulder muscle function, but it may be that a loss of strength in the shoulder and cervical regions affects the position of the larynx and consequently its movement during swallowing [46]. One cross-sectional study suggests that patients with head and neck cancer are at risk of reduced physical functioning due to their undertaking lower levels of physical activity [47]; when physical effort is also reduced due to treatment, swallowing difficulties might be intensified.…”

Proposta de novos índices de simetria e assimetria para amplitude de movimento em idosas

“…Most of the current studies evaluate this imbalance between body segments based on the difference of strength or power between limbs [1][2][3][4]; however, as well as strength, range of motion (ROM) also needs to present bilateral symmetry to ensure a good functionality of the older women. Losses in symmetry and reduction of ROM in aging are related to postural changes that can lead to functional loss of the locomotor system [5,6]. Therefore, bilateral ROM is an important variable to be evaluated, facilitating the integration of flexibility exercises in training protocols that aim to improve the health of this population [7].…”