Calf circumference is associated with dysphagia in acute-care inpatients

The aim of the study was to determine the association between decreased muscle mass and dysphagia in older acute-care patients. A cross-sectional study was performed on 103 patients aged ≥65 years who were consecutively admitted to acute-care wards. Muscle mass and strength were evaluated by assessing calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength, respectively. Dysphagia and swallowing difficulty were assessed using the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS). Univariate and multivariate a nalyses were used to determine whether CC was associated with dysphagia.

Source: Geriatric Nursing - September 19, 2017 Category: Nursing Authors: Haruyo Matsuo, Yoshihiro Yoshimura Tags: Feature Article Source Type: research