Age-related changes in orofacial force generation in women.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to assess the effect of age on orofacial force generation.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
McHenry
M A
MA
Galveston Institute of Human Communication at The Transitional Learning Community, Texas 77553, USA.
Minton
J T
JT
Hartley
L L
LL
Calhoun
K
K
Barlow
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001284:Atrophy; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*