Aging Effects on Esophageal Transit Time in the Upright Position During Videofluoroscopy.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine age-related effects on esophageal transit times (ETT) among healthy adult participants.

Methods: A total of 175 healthy, non-dysphagic participants underwent a modified barium swallow study (MBSS), and ETT was recorded for two standardized swallowing tasks. Differences across age groups were determined using Kruskal-Wallis test. Relationships between an Esophageal Clearance (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile Component 17) score and ETT were also explored.

Results: No significant differences were observed in ETT across age groups for nectar-thickened liquid ( = .335) or pudding ( = .231) consistencies. No significant differences were observed between males and females in ETT for either the nectar ( = .112) or pudding trial ( = .817). For nectar, the mean ETT for patients with Component 17 scores of 2 or greater were significantly higher than that of participants with a score of 0 ( < .0001). For pudding, participants with a score >0 demonstrated significantly higher mean ETT compared to participants with a score of 0 (with  = .0008 and  < .0001, respectively).

Conclusion: Study findings failed to support age-related or sex-related differences in ETT for two standardized swallowing tasks administered during a MBSS in healthy individuals. The normative values following a standardized protocol in this study provide guidance in clinical interpretation of esophageal function.