Final answer:
Decreased tongue base retraction can result in lower pressure during swallowing, slowing bolus movement, delaying the swallow, and potentially affecting the timing of the swallowing reflex.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a decrease in tongue base retraction could lead to decreased pressure generation during swallowing. This lower pressure can slow the speed of the bolus as it moves through the pharynx. As a result, the swallowing process can become delayed, and the timing of the swallow can be negatively affected. It's crucial to have adequate tongue base retraction to maintain the necessary pressure to propel the bolus efficiently and trigger the swallowing reflex at the appropriate time.