The Relationship Between Swallowing-related Measures and Activation of the Deep Neck Flexor Muscles in Healthy Young and Older Adults

Authors

Ana E. Lowe, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSSLP)

Major/Program

Speech-Language Pathology

First Advisor's Name

Alliete Alfano

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee co-chair

Second Advisor's Name

Inae Gadotti

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee co-chair

Third Advisor's Name

Balaji Rangarathnam

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Angela Medina

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

swallowing, deep neck flexors, posture

Date of Defense

6-27-2022

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the relationship between swallowing- related measures and activation of the deep neck flexor (DNF) muscles in a group of healthy adults. Participants were assigned to a younger or older group and were classified with an upright (UP) or forward head posture (FHP). Data was collected from 36 adults.

No differences on swallowing-related measures and activation of DNF muscles were found between age group and posture classifications measured visually. However, statistically significant differences in head and neck posture measured by the craniovertebral angle (CVA) were found between adults classified with a UP and FHP.

These results suggest that the participant sample show similar swallowing function and DNF muscle performance regardless of age and posture classification. This thesis can guide future multidisciplinary research evaluating young adults and elderly adults over the age of 75.

Identifier

FIDC010835

Recommended Citation

Lowe, Ana E., "The Relationship Between Swallowing-related Measures and Activation of the Deep Neck Flexor Muscles in Healthy Young and Older Adults" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5107.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5107