Presbylarynx: Does Body Muscle Mass Correlate With Vocal Atrophy? A Prospective Case Control Study.

Objective: To analyze the potential association between body muscle mass and presbylarynx.

Methods: Study performed on subjects referred to the otorhinolaryngology department in a tertiary center between January and September 2019 . Based on endoscopic findings of the larynx, the patients were subdivided into two main groups: presbylarynx versus no presbylarynx. Data regarding gender, body composition, self-assessment of vocal complaints, and functional assessment were collected.

Study Design: Case control, prospective, observational and cross-sectional.

Results: The study population included a total of 115 Caucasian subjects (43 males; 72 females). Presbylarynx was identified in 43 patients (37, 39%) with no statistically predilection by gender (P = .668). The mean age of the patients with presbylarynx was slightly higher, but differences between groups were not statistically significant (P = .072). Results showed an association between functional impairment (score 4 of Katz Index and score 5 of Functional Ambulation Classification) and presence of presbylarynx (P < .001). Additionally, a positive association between the absence of presbylarynx and sport activity was also observed (P < .001). The mean value of muscle mass between presbylarynx and no presbylarynx groups was statistically different (P < .01), with a lower mean for subjects with presbylarynx.

Conclusion: This case control prospective study confirms that the general age-related degeneration of body muscle mass might play an important role in the course of presbylarynx. In the future, preventing strategies based on regular sport activities and improvements on functional status can play an important role in the management of aging voice.

Level Of Evidence: 2b Laryngoscope, 131:E226-E230, 2021.