Association between Tongue Pressure and Jaw-Opening Force in Older Adults

Abstract

Tongue pressure (TP) is used to assess tongue muscle strength and is related to function and frailty. While performing TP, it is necessary to elevate the tongue and oral floor by contracting the suprahyoid muscles. However, the association between TP and suprahyoid muscle strength remains unclear. Accordingly, this study investigated the relationship between TP and jaw-opening force (JOF), an indicator of suprahyoid muscle strength. This cross-sectional study included 88 independent community-dwelling participants aged ≥65 years. Age, sex, and the number of remaining teeth were recorded. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the cross-sectional area of the tongue and geniohyoid muscle, as representatives of the suprahyoid muscles. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Multiple regression analysis was performed with TP as the dependent variable. TP was significantly associated with JOF (β = 0.371, p = 0.003). This study revealed that decreased TP was associated with a decline in JOF and suprahyoid muscle mass in older adults. Thus, low TP may be associated with decreased JOF. Prevention of the weakness of the suprahyoid muscles and maintaining TP may also contribute to the prevention of frailty associated with TP.

Use of suction electrodes for measurement of intrinsic tongue muscular endurance during lingual pressure generation

“…This strongly suggests that activation of the S‐hyo muscles contributed to exertion of the maximum effort of LP generation. This contention is also supported by one investigational study of community‐dwelling older adults, in which a positive correlation between the maximum LP value and the cross‐sectional muscle area of the geniohyoid muscle, rather than that of the I‐ton muscles was found 18 …”

“…This contention is also supported by one investigational study of community-dwelling older adults, in which a positive correlation between the maximum LP value and the cross-sectional muscle area of the geniohyoid muscle, rather than that of the I-ton muscles was found. 18 The MPF of the EMG burst of the S-hyo muscles in the early stage differed significantly among the four strength conditions; the stronger the LP was, the larger the MPF. This may be because differences in the number of activated muscle fibres depend on the LP strength.…”

An observational study of oral functions in patients aged from 20 to 49 years

“…The subjects were Eichner A patients and systemically healthy, and the hypotheses were that there were limited differences between males and females. As described, the values of these oral functions were associated with perioral muscle strength [8,[27][28][29]. The previous study showed that some oral functions in males were significantly higher than those in females [17].…”

“…Regarding MOF and MTP, both functions were closely associated with some perioral muscles [8,[27][28][29]. The development of these muscles in childhood, and sex differences are also associated with MOF and MTP in these generations [17,30,31].…”

Machine Learning Prediction of Tongue Pressure in Elderly Patients with Head and Neck Tumor: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Other researchers consider that the loss of muscle strength and occlusal function caused by tooth loss contributes to decreased tongue force [8,35]. Nonetheless, these studies found no positive or negative association between tongue pressure and the number of remaining teeth, which was expected to strengthen tongue pressure as compensation for tooth loss in order to maintain masticatory function [37]. Achieving optimal occlusal stability is crucial for ensuring safe swallowing [31].…”