Sigmoidal and rectal motility in healthy elderly.

Motility in the sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectum was studied before, during, and after a 900-kcal meal in 18 healthy elderly and 18 healthy young adults. Three intraluminal pressure transducers spaced 5 cm apart were used for the recording. No differences existed in the percentage activities and the surface areas under the contraction curves (SA) for the corresponding measurements during fasting, during eating, and after consumption of a meal in the elderly and young adults (P greater than 0.1). A 900-kcal meal significantly increased percentage activity and SA in all three recording areas in both the elderly and young adults (P less than 0.02). Percentage activity and SA returned to fasting levels immediately after consumption of the meal. Percentage activity and SA were highest 15 cm above the anal verge in both elderly and young adults. These findings suggest that age and gender do not affect sigmoidal, rectosigmoidal, and rectal motility.