Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Effects of two types of tongue strengthening exercises in young normals
Cathy Lazarus1, Jeri A Logemann, Cheng-Fang Huang
1Voice, Speech and Language Service and Swallowing Center, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill, USA. cathy.lazarus@med.nyu.edu
Abstract:
This pilot study examines the effects of two types of tongue strengthening exercises on tongue function measures of strength and endurance in a group of 31 healthy young subjects. Subjects underwent baseline and 1 month post-baseline assessments of tongue function and were randomized to one of three groups, including: (1) no exercise; (2) exercise group receiving standard tongue strength exercises using a tongue depressor, and (3) exercise group receiving tongue strengthening exercises using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Results revealed a significantly greater change in maximum tongue strength in the group that received any treatment compared with the group receiving no treatment (p = 0.04). Results provide support for the theory that tongue strengthening exercises improve tongue strength in healthy young subjects.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
The Tongue and Taste Buds
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Long-term Potentiation
