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Updated: May 14, 2026
06:59
In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Quantitative evaluation of tongue protrusion force.
Renata Maria Moreira Moraes Furlan1, Amanda Freitas Valenti, Tatiana Vargas de Castro Perilo
1Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Santa Bárbara - MG, Brazil. renatamfurlan@yahoo.com.br
Summary
Adults exhibit the strongest tongue protrusion force, followed by the elderly and children, with significant differences noted between adult and child groups. This study introduces a new device for evaluating tongue strength across different age demographics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Speech Pathology
Background:
- The tongue is crucial for speech, eating, swallowing, breathing, and maintaining dental alignment.
- Adequate tongue strength is vital for these essential functions.
- A novel device for assessing tongue strength has been developed by researchers in Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a new device for measuring tongue protrusion force.
- To compare tongue strength measurements across different age groups (children, adults, elderly).
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants were divided into three age groups: children, adults, and the elderly.
- A newly developed device was used for quantitative assessment of tongue protrusion force.
- Measurements included maximum force, average force, and time to reach maximum force.
Main Results:
- Adults demonstrated the highest maximum and average tongue protrusion forces, followed by the elderly, and then children.
- Statistically significant differences in average and maximum forces were found between children and adults.
- While the elderly group showed longer times to reach maximum force compared to adults, and children showed shorter times, these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Tongue protrusion force varies significantly with age, with adults exhibiting the greatest strength.
- The new device effectively differentiates tongue strength across age groups, particularly between children and adults.
- Further research may explore the clinical implications of age-related tongue strength differences.
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