The lingual muscle is a component of the stomatognathic system that comprises fixed (mandible, maxilla, dental arches, temporomandibular joints and the hyoid bone) and dynamic structures (masticatory, supra-and infrahyoid muscles and the oro-facial muscle such as lingual, lips and cheek muscles) that act synergistically to perform stomatognathic functions including mastication, swallowing and speech. [1][2][3] Neurological disorders such as stroke cause weakening of the skeletal muscles. The lingual muscle also contains skeletal muscles and is therefore affected by factors causing skeletal Abstract Background: Lingual strength training (LST) has been reported to positively affect the activation of submental muscles, as well as to increase lingual muscle strength.However, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of LST on the strength and thickness of oropharyngeal muscles in healthy adults. Methods:The study included 30 subjects who were assigned to the experimental (n = 15) and the control groups (n = 15). The experimental group performed LST based on tongue-to-palate resistance exercise method. LST was categorised as isometric and isotonic exercise. The intervention was performed five times a week for 6 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. The lingual strength was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Changes in the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles and the lingual were assessed ultrasonographically.Results: After the intervention, the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.037 and 0.042). Conclusion:This study demonstrated that LST increases the thickness and the strength of oropharyngeal muscles. Therefore, LST is a useful option in patients with dysphagia or in elderly patients prone to swallowing dysfunction. K E Y W O R D S exercise, lingual, swallowing, ultrasonography | 1037 PARK et Al.

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