ERIC Number: EJ1225376
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jun
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1092-4388
EISSN: N/A
Motor Imagery Practice and Increased Tongue Strength: A Case Series Feasibility Report
Szynkiewicz, Sarah H.; Nobriga, Christina V.; O'Donoghue, Cynthia R.; Becerra, Benjamin J.; LaForge, Garret
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, v62 n6 p1676-1684 Jun 2019
Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a 6-week progressive resistance tongue exercise protocol in mental practice form on tongue strength. Investigation begins in typically aging adults, a population susceptible to reduced tongue strength and dysphagia secondary to age-related changes in the swallowing mechanism. It was hypothesized that typically aging adults who perform a 6-week progressive resistance tongue exercise protocol in mental practice form would increase tongue strength. Method: A prospective, case series intervention study was used. Six healthy women aged 53-78 years completed a 6-week mental practice tongue resistance exercise program utilizing motor imagery to imagine completion of tongue exercises. The main outcome was mean isometric maximum tongue pressures (tongue strength), which were collected at baseline and Weeks 2, 4, and 6 using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI Medical, 2013). Results: By Week 6 of the study, all participants had significantly increased their tongue strength compared to baseline. Conclusions: The findings indicate that mental practice using motor imagery for tongue exercise may improve tongue strength in healthy individuals at risk for dysphagia and may thus represent a promising direction warranting further investigation in typically aging individuals and patients with dysphagia and decreased tongue strength.
Descriptors: Psychomotor Skills, Human Body, Muscular Strength, Older Adults, Aging (Individuals), Exercise, Females, Imagery, Program Effectiveness
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A