Speech-Motor Equivalence in Aging Subjects

Abstract

The peak amplitude of EMG activity was measured from the orbicularis oris superior (OOS), orbicularis oris inferior (OOI), and masseter muscles for three normal, geriatric women (range 70 to 75 yr.) and compared with prior data for a group of normal, 4- and 8-yr.-old children and young adults (range 21 to 29 yr.) The elderly groups' variability across the three muscles paralleled that of the 4-yr.-olds, suggesting that speech-motor equivalence returns to an earlier level of operation in aging speakers. Also, the elderly subjects evidenced reduced levels of average peak EMG activity as compared to those of the other groups. This finding was interpreted as reflecting a loss of general muscle function, a possible concomitant of facial muscle atrophy that accompanies advanced age.