Effect of tongue strengthening exercise on swallowing muscles and tongue pressure

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11235
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima International University
• Principal Investigator: Fukuoka Tatsuyuki 広島国際大学, 総合リハビリテーション学部, 准教授 (10781289)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 摂食嚥下障害 / オーラルフレイル / 口腔機能低下症 / サルコペニア / 舌圧 / 舌骨上筋群 / 筋力トレーニング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated the effects of Tongue Strengthening Exercises (TSE) on tongue pressure and swallow-related muscle mass. Tongue pressure was measured using a tongue pressure device and a tongue pressure sensor sheet. Tongue muscle diameter and suprahyoid muscle cross-sectional area were measured by ultrasound. The results showed that maximum tongue pressure, tongue pressure during swallowing, and geniohyoid muscle area increased in the younger subjects, while only the geniohyoid muscle area increased in the older subjects. Therefore, the training load should be adjusted according to the subject's ability. Measurement of swallow-related muscle mass using an ultrasound device was considered useful as an indicator of the effectiveness of TSE.

Free Research Field

摂食嚥下障害学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果から、高齢者の嚥下機能低下を予防するための介入方法として、舌の筋力トレーニングの有効性が明らかとなった。また、超音波診断装置を用いた嚥下関連筋の測定は、口腔および嚥下機能低下の客観的評価や筋力トレーニングの効果指標として有用となる可能性がある。本成果はオーラルフレイルや加齢に伴う嚥下機能低下（老嚥）、口腔機能低下症に対し、機能を維持・向上するための具体的なアプローチの実践に役立ち、ひいては摂食嚥下障害や誤嚥性肺炎の発症を予防することに寄与することが期待される。