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.

Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that not only causes knee pain in older adults, but also has an adverse effect on walking. Therefore, intervention for older patients with OA is important. To investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on the pain and gait function of the older adults with knee OA.Methods:This study enrolled 10 older adults individuals living in the community who were diagnosed with knee OA. All participants were assessed for knee pain, walking ability, and balance before and after application of knee KT. Knee pain was assessed in resting and walking conditions using the visual analog scale. Walking and balance were assessed using a 10-m walking test and a timed up and go test.Results:In the present study, KT significantly improved gait and balance with reduction in knee pain during walking than non-KT (P < .05).Conclusions:This study demonstrated that knee KT has a positive effect on pain reduction and walking and balance ability of the older adults with OA. Therefore, this study suggests that KT can be used as an intervention to relieve knee pain and aid walking and balance ability in the older adult.