This study collected data on the maximum anterior and posterior tongue strength and endurance in 420 healthy Belgians across the adult life span to explore the influence of age, sex, bulb position, visual feedback, and order of testing. Measures were obtained using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Older participants (more than 70 years old) demonstrated significantly lower strength than younger persons at the anterior and the posterior tongue. Endurance remains stable throughout the major part of life. Gender influence remains significant but minor throughout life, with males showing higher pressures and longer endurance. The anterior part of the tongue has both higher strength and longer endurance than the posterior part. Mean maximum tongue pressures in this European population seem to be lower than American values and are closer to Asian results. The normative data can be used for objective assessment of tongue weakness and subsequent therapy planning of dysphagic patients.
The reported study investigated the effect of 7 rate control methods (RCM) on running speech intelligibility, speaking rate (SR), articulation rate (AR) and pause characteristics in 27 individuals with dysarthria. The data reveal that with the exception of slower on demand, each RCM resulted in lower mean SRs and ARs (p < 0.05). Clinically significant improvements in intelligibility were found in half of the participants with different types of dysarthria. The majority of them had normal or decreased ARs and SRs. The most effective methods were: alphabet board, hand tapping and pacing board. For the majority of speakers, the maximal decrease in speech rate was not associated with the maximal increase in intelligibility.
Tongue-strengthening exercises (TSE) are based on the principles of exercise and motor learning, including intensity. Intensity is manipulated by gradually adjusting the resistive load. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effect of three different values resistive load during TSE in healthy older adults. Sixty subjects completed 8 weeks of TSE while exercising with Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). They were randomly distributed to 4 different treatment arms: 3 exercise groups (EG1: n = 15; EG2: n = 16, EG3: n = 16) and 1 control group performing lip-strengthening exercises (CG: n = 13). Values of resistive load for EG1, EG2, and EG3 were 100, 80, and 60% 1RM, respectively. Anterior and posterior maximal isometric pressures (MIP, MIP) were measured at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of training and 4 weeks post-training. MIP and MIP in the EG were significantly higher than in the CG at all time points, except baseline. No significant differences between EG were found, but some trends were observable. Anteriorly, the higher the resistive load, the higher the increase in MIP. Posteriorly, 100% 1RM caused the highest values, followed by 60% and 80% 1RM. No detraining effects were measured. The degree of exercise load had a significant negative effect on the registered success rate. This RCT confirms the efficacy of TSE in healthy older adults. For MIP and MIP, TSE at a resistive load of 100% 1RM are the most efficient choice in this population, while lowering the resistive load will lead to an increased success rate. No detraining effects were registered.
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