Author(s)
Ozlem E. Tulunay-Ugur
Nickolas Alsup, Deanne King,
Affiliation(s)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Abstract:
Objective: Dysphagia, common among older adults, leads to significant morbidity and potentially mortality. The role of preventative exercises in healthy, community dwelling elderly remains to be understood. In this systematic review, we aimed to understand whether pre-emptive exercise programs can improve swallowing in healthy older adults.
Method: Articles published from 2012-2022 were included and identified through searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases by a medical librarian using the keywords: presbyphagia and aging and dysphagia and management, as well as therapy and treatment, swallowing therapy and the combinations of these key words.
Results: This revealed 187 articles; only papers assessing the role of therapy on swallowing function in older adults with no swallowing problems were included. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Four studies used tongue strengthening exercises, three swallowing resistance, one high-speed jaw opening, one electrical stimulation of swallowing muscle. Exercise programs ranged from 2-8 weeks. EAT-10 was mostly used to ensure patients did not have swallowing difficult for recruitment. All but one study (resistance training of swallowing muscles) revealed improvement in muscle strength at the end of the treatment period compared to the control groups. Only one study investigated detraining effects, found continued benefits.
Conclusions: Swallowing exercises strengthen targeted muscle groups in healthy older adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the benefits of preventative therapy models.