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Effect of Systematic Effortful Swallowing Exercise on the Activation Level of the Submental Muscles and Tongue Strength in Older Adults

  • 0Department of Occupational Therapy, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
Folia Phoniatrica Et Logopaedica : Official Organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (ialp) +

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February 9, 2025

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February 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A 6-week effortful swallowing (ES) exercise program significantly enhanced submental muscle activity and tongue strength in healthy older adults. This structured program improved swallowing muscle strength through systematic training principles.

Area Of Science

  • Gerontology
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Exercise Physiology

Background

  • Effortful swallowing (ES) increases submental muscle activity, crucial for hyoid bone and larynx elevation during swallowing.
  • Previous research on long-term ES exercise effects on submental muscle activity shows inconsistent results.
  • This study investigated the impact of a 6-week ES exercise program on submental muscle activation and tongue strength.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured 6-week effortful swallowing (ES) exercise program.
  • To assess the impact of the program on submental muscle activation levels.
  • To determine the effect on tongue strength in healthy older adults.

Main Methods

  • 31 healthy older adults (mean age 75.4 years) participated in the study.
  • A 6-week program involved twice-weekly 30-minute sessions with specific tongue pressing and swallowing exercises.
  • Exercises utilized the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) for resistance and biofeedback, targeting 60-100% maximal isometric pressure (MIP).

Main Results

  • Significant increases were observed in maximal submental muscle activity during ES post-intervention (p < 0.05).
  • Anterior and posterior oral tongue MIP, typical swallowing pressure, ES pressure, and posterior oral tongue endurance significantly improved.
  • These improvements were noted when compared to baseline measurements.

Conclusions

  • A systematically structured ES exercise program, incorporating strength training principles, effectively enhanced swallowing muscle strength in older adults.
  • The program's success is attributed to systematic warm-ups, IOPI-guided resistance and biofeedback, and adequate rest intervals.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the effects of varying exercise program compositions on swallowing function.

Keywords:

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