Investigation of dysphagia in individuals between the ages of 10-18 with cervical spine and postural disorder

This study aimed to investigate the presence of dysphagia in individuals aged 10 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with cervical spine and postural disorders. The study included 32 individuals aged between 10 and 18 years who applied to the Mersin Spine Health Exercise and Counseling Center. Data were collected using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and the Yale Swallow Protocol. A statistically significant relationship was found between the EAT-10 scores and the Yale Swallow Test results (p < .05), as well as between the EAT-10 scores and effortful swallowing of liquids (p < .05). A relationship was also observed between EAT-10 scores and effortful swallowing of solids, though it was not statistically significant (p > .05). Additionally, a strong and significant correlation was found between the EAT-10 scores and Dysphagia Handicap Index scores (p < .001, Spearman's rho = .66). It was determined that individuals aged 10–18 years with cervical spine and postural disorders experienced difficulty in swallowing liquids, while no significant difficulty was observed in swallowing solids. Cervical spine and postural impairments appear to negatively impact swallowing function, which in turn may limit individuals' quality of life, daily activities, and social interactions. Although standardized assessments such as the EAT-10 and Dysphagia Handicap Index have demonstrated validity and reliability in evaluating dysphagia, their subjective nature may pose certain limitations in the interpretation of results. Incorporating objective assessment tools alongside subjective measures is essential for a more comprehensive and reliable evaluation of dysphagia. Keywords: swallowing, dysphagia, cervical spine and posture disorder.