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Relationship Between Submental Superficial Layer Hardness and Tongue Pressure Determined Using a Tissue Durometer
Yuri Watanabe1, Mai Ohkubo2, Keina Miura3
1Department of Oral Health and Clinical Science, Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan. watanabeyuri@tdc.ac.jp.
Dysphagia
|March 14, 2024
Summary
Tongue function significantly impacts submental muscle hardness. This study shows changes in neck muscle stiffness during water retention, suggesting a non-invasive method to assess tongue movement and swallowing function.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Physiology
- Swallowing research
Background:
- Aging impacts tongue and suprahyoid muscles, leading to dysphagia and undernutrition.
- Tongue movements during bolus formation involve complex muscle actions.
- Submental superficial layer hardness may reflect tongue function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between tongue function and submental superficial layer hardness.
- To determine if tongue movements during water retention alter submental muscle characteristics.
- To explore non-invasive methods for assessing tongue function.
Main Methods:
- 28 healthy adults (14 male, 14 female) participated.
- Submental superficial layer characteristics (frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation, creep) were measured using a tissue durometer (MyotonPRO®).
- Measurements were taken at rest and during 5 mL water retention, alongside maximum voluntary tongue pressure.
Main Results:
- Submental superficial layer hardness significantly differed between rest and water retention states.
- During water retention, muscle frequency and stiffness increased, while decrement, relaxation, and creep decreased.
- Changes in submental layer hardness correlated with suprahyoid muscle activity during tongue movements.
Conclusions:
- Submental superficial layer hardness changes during water retention, reflecting tongue muscle activity.
- Tongue movement and function may be assessed non-invasively by measuring external submental muscle characteristics.
- Findings suggest potential for early detection of swallowing dysfunction.
