Standardized instrument for lingual pressure measurement.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Oropharyngeal dysphagia, often caused by tongue muscle atrophy, leads to significant physical and social challenges.
• Diminished lingual strength impacts swallowing function and overall quality of life.
• Aging adults are also susceptible to age-related decline in tongue muscle mass and strength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the Madison Oral Strengthening Therapeutic (MOST) device for tongue strengthening.
• To compare the MOST device's performance against the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI).
• To determine the optimal tongue pressure sampling rate for effective isometric exercises using the MOST device.

Main Methods:

• The study involved developing the MOST device, focusing on replicable mouth placement, portability, affordability, and user-friendliness.
• A comparative analysis was conducted between the MOST device and the commercial IOPI pressure-measuring device.
• The optimal tongue pressure sampling rate for isometric exercises was identified.

Main Results:

• The MOST device was developed as a portable, affordable, and user-friendly tool for oral motor therapy.
• The study established a comparison between the MOST device and the IOPI, validating its performance.
• An optimal tongue pressure sampling rate for isometric exercises was identified, enhancing the device's utility.

Conclusions:

• The MOST device presents a promising tool for evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
• The device has the potential to play a significant role in preventing age-related loss of tongue muscle mass and strength in the growing elderly population.
• The MOST device offers a replicable and accessible method for maintaining or improving lingual strength across various age groups.