The effect of bolus size on masticatory parameters at swallowing threshold in children using a hard, solid, artificial test food

• Published in: Journal of texture studies 2022-06, Vol.53 (3), p.374-382
• Main Authors: Wintergerst, Ana, Gómez‐Zúñiga, Roberto Samuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; bolus size; Child; children; Deglutition; Food; food breakdown; Humans; Mastication; median particle size; Particle Size; swallowing threshold; Tablets
• ISSN: 0022-4901; 1745-4603
• DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12671

The effect of different bolus sizes on food breakdown has been studied in adults, but not in children. The objective of this study was to study median particle size (MPS) and other parameters of masticatory function at swallowing threshold (ST) in 8–10‐year‐old‐children with two different bolus sizes. A randomized crossover trial was undertaken in 89 eight to ten‐year‐old children. The study was performed with informed consent and ethical approval. The artificial test food used was made of a condensation silicone (Optosil Comfort) following a standardized protocol. Two bolus sizes (three or four quarters of a 20‐mm diameter, 5‐mm thick tablet) were randomized to avoid an order effect and tested in different sessions. Variables were: MPS (X50) at ST, number of cycles until ST, sequence and cycle duration as well as cycles/g. Comparisons were performed with paired t and Wilcoxon tests, regressions and correlations were run. Cutoff for statistical significance was .05. Statistically significant differences were found for all variables; X50 (2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 0.7 mm, p