Comparative Analysis of Swallowing Efficacy in Young Adults and Geriatric Population by 100 mL Water Swallow Test

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to carry out a comparative analysis of swallowing efficacy in young adults and geriatric population using the 100 mL Water Swallow Test (WST). Materials and Methods: A total population of 100 individuals performed WST which included 50 young adults and 50 geriatrics. Individuals were given 100 mL of water and were asked to drink at their comfortable pace with no spillage, gulp or residue in the cup. Meanwhile, the clinician counted the number of hyolaryngeal movements for swallowing by using the four-finger test and monitored the time taken to drink 100 mL of water using a stopwatch. Results: Result of the study revealed that among the parameters obtained, swallowing capacity and time per swallow was better in young adults than geriatrics. Volume per swallow parameter carried similar values in both young adults and geriatrics. Conclusion: The study findings thus show that 100 mL WST can be a tool to monitor and identify the swallowing efficiency. This study shows the importance of considering the influence of age-related changes in an elderly individual before reaching a diagnosis and carrying out rehabilitation of geriatrics with swallowing dysfunction.