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Five Specific Tongue Movements in a Healthy Population
Kilian D R Kappert1,2, Simone van Dijk3,4, David Wellenstein3
1Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. k.kappert@nki.nl.
Dysphagia
|October 11, 2020
Summary
Tongue mobility is crucial for speech and swallowing. This study found that tongue rolling and cloverleaf movements are easier to recall, making them potentially useful for predicting oral cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Speech Pathology
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Tongue mobility is vital for speech, food transport, and swallowing.
- The impact of individual tongue mobility on postoperative function following oral cancer treatment requires further investigation.
- Understanding tongue movement capabilities in a healthy population can inform rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of five specific tongue movements (rolling, twisting left, twisting right, folding, cloverleaf) in a healthy Dutch population.
- To determine if tongue movements can be accurately recalled without demonstration, which is relevant for patients with restricted tongue mobility due to oral cancer.
- To identify tongue movements suitable for future prediction models in oral cancer rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 387 healthy Dutch adults was conducted by two observers.
- Participants were asked about their ability to perform five specific tongue movements and then demonstrated them.
- Data on the distribution of each tongue movement and accuracy of self-assessment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: rolling (83.7%), cloverleaf (14.7%), folding (27.5%), twisting left (36.1%), twisting right (35.6%).
- The ability to fold the tongue was higher than previously reported, and tongue rolling is not a prerequisite for folding.
- Participants frequently misjudged their ability to perform tongue folding and twisting movements, while tongue rolling and cloverleaf were more accurately recalled.
Conclusions:
- Tongue rolling and cloverleaf movements are easier to recall without demonstration, suggesting their utility in prediction models for oral cancer patients.
- The findings provide baseline data on tongue mobility in a healthy population, aiding in the assessment of functional deficits post-treatment.
- Further research could explore the correlation between specific tongue movement limitations and functional outcomes in oral cancer survivors.
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