Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface to Improve Motor and Cognitive Function in Stroke Patients
Published on: September 1, 2023
Changes in resting motor threshold of the tongue with normal aging and stroke
Ivy Ka Yu Cheng1, Edwin Man Lai Yiu1, Karen Man Kei Chan1
1a Swallowing Research Laboratory, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , PR China.
Aim Of Study:
To examine the resting motor threshold of the tongue in healthy adults and stroke survivors.
Methods:
Thirty-five healthy adults were classified into three groups: Group 1 (19-38 years; n = 11), Group 2 (50-64 years; n = 12) and Group 3 (66-78 years; n = 12). Six chronic stroke survivors (mean age =59 years, SD = 9.1 years) were recruited (Group 4). The resting motor thresholds (RMTs) of the tongue were measured and compared (i) among the four groups and (ii) between stroke survivors and age-matched healthy adults.
Results:
Group 3 showed significantly higher RMTs than Group 1 (p = .001) and 2 (p = 0.007). Group 4 showed significantly higher RMTs than Group 1 (p = .003) and 2 (p = .001). The RMTs of Group 3 and 4 were not significantly different (p = .385). The RMT was positively correlated with age (r = 0.534; p = .001). Group 4 showed significantly higher RMTs than the age-matched controls (U = 2.5, p = .009, r = 0.77).
Conclusions:
The resting motor threshold of the tongue is significantly increased in adults aged above 65 and in stroke survivors when compared with healthy adults. The findings suggested that the cortical excitability of the tongue deteriorates in the elderly and the stroke population.
Related Concept Videos
Tongue
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon
Resting Membrane Potential
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...
Resting Potential Decay
At rest, the K+ is the main ion that moves across the membrane...
The Tongue and Taste Buds

