A new method for tongue rehabilitation with computer games: Pilot study

Abstract

Summary Background Lingual exercises are commonly used in clinical practice for swallowing rehabilitation. Associating lingual exercises with computer games increases motivation, which influences tongue motor performance. Objective To investigate the effects of tongue movement direction; resistance force level; repetition number; sustained tongue contraction duration; age and gender on tongue motor performance in healthy adults using computer games. Methods An observational pilot study was carried out at a university laboratory. Nine healthy adults, aged 22 to 38 years, used an intra‐oral joystick controlled by the tongue to play four computer games. The participants had to reach 12 targets that appeared on the computer screen using the intra‐oral joystick. Motor performance was measured by the number of attempts to score and the time during which the target force was maintained. Tongue motor performance was compared among tongue movement direction, resistance force level, game round number, and continuous force application time on the target, age and gender. Results The number of attempts depended significantly on the direction, continuous force application time on the target and age. The time during which the target force was maintained depended significantly on the direction, continuous force application time on the target and game round number. There were no significant differences in the comparisons by gender or by resistance force level. Conclusions It was seen that young adults had their best performance in the downward direction, on the third round, holding the force for a shorter time. The performance deteriorated as age increased.

Effects of game-based chin tuck against resistance exercise vs head-lift exercise in patients with dysphagia after stroke: An assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial

“…Studies using games software for rehabilitation have been reported (12)(13)(14). The game is intuitive and has the advantage of enhancing patient engagement because it can be enjoyable and interesting (13).…”

Effect of tongue‐strengthening training combined with a tablet personal computer game in healthy adults

“…Because game‐based exercises can be performed intuitively, they are easier to perform, and therefore contribute to continuous focus during training. Several recent studies have demonstrated the potential to rehabilitate the tongue using games . Studies have also included game‐based tongue task training using the Tongue Drive System, and Furlan et al report results for game‐based tongue movement using an intraoral joystick controller.…”

“…Several recent studies have demonstrated the potential to rehabilitate the tongue using games . Studies have also included game‐based tongue task training using the Tongue Drive System, and Furlan et al report results for game‐based tongue movement using an intraoral joystick controller. Game‐based tongue training has been applied along with a variety of motivational factors, programs and intensities, and has demonstrated the positive effects of the behavioural aspect of tongue motor learning and increased representation of the motor cortex related to the tongue muscle …”

The influence of tongue mobility on children's performance in computer games that depend on lingual movements

“…17,24,28,29 The training using TDS has been shown to induce cortical plasticity in corticomotor areas related to tongue movement. 24 Another instrument developed for the rehabilitation of tongue strength and mobility, the T-Station, 30 has a control rod fitted inside the oral cavity that can be moved by the tongue while playing a simple computer game. The device was first used by adults without alteration in tongue strength or mobility 30 and then by children with and without alteration in tongue strength.…”

“…24 Another instrument developed for the rehabilitation of tongue strength and mobility, the T-Station, 30 has a control rod fitted inside the oral cavity that can be moved by the tongue while playing a simple computer game. The device was first used by adults without alteration in tongue strength or mobility 30 and then by children with and without alteration in tongue strength. 31 However, no study has been accomplished with children whose tongue mobility is compromised.…”