Effects of Two Types of Tongue Strengthening Exercises in Young Normals

Abstract

This pilot study examines the effects of two types of tongue strengthening exercises on tongue function measures of strength and endurance in a group of 31 healthy young subjects. Subjects underwent baseline and 1 month post-baseline assessments of tongue function and were randomized to one of three groups, including: (1) no exercise; (2) exercise group receiving standard tongue strength exercises using a tongue depressor, and (3) exercise group receiving tongue strengthening exercises using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Results revealed a significantly greater change in maximum tongue strength in the group that received any treatment compared with the group receiving no treatment (p = 0.04). Results provide support for the theory that tongue strengthening exercises improve tongue strength in healthy young subjects.