Measurement of maximum tongue protrusion force (MTPF) in healthy young adults

Abstract

We propose that tongue protrusive strength and tone may be related to upper airway patency, and when protrusive strength is reduced, individuals are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea, or speech/swallow disorders. The goal of the current study was to determine normative values of maximum tongue protrusion force (MTPF) in healthy young adults, using a unique newly developed device. We hypothesized that MTPF would be greater in males than in females. One hundred and one healthy young adults (mean age: 22.99 years; male: 23, female: 78) participated in this study. The subjects pushed their tongue forward against the device’s piston (protrusion) as hard as possible for 2–5 sec and MTPF was recorded in Newtons (N). A minimum of 5 MTPF measurements were obtained with 1–2 min rest between measurements. The average MTPF for all subjects was 15.4 N (SD: ±3.8), with a range of 8–29. The male average MTPF was higher than female (17.8 N, SD: ±3.7 vs. 14.7 N, SD: ±3.5; P = 0.001). There was no significant difference for age between males and females; males had significantly greater height and weight. The results demonstrate our novel device can effectively measure tongue protrusive force in healthy young adults. This study provides normative values for MTPF, and identified significant tongue protrusion strength differences between males and females.

Force, alternate movements, snap, suction and vibration functions of tongue are altered in oral submucous fibrosis patients

“…Tongue force is dependent on the status of the tongue muscles. 11 Therefore, considering the observations of the present study, further extensive research into the effect of the OSMF disease process on the lingual muscles is very much required.…”

“…Kim et al measured protrusive force with the help of a piston device, whereas Rodrguez-Alcalá et al used a Tongue Digital Spoon to measure the tongue strength of 20 healthy subjects. 11 , 13 These studies compared the tongue force in both genders and also in young and elderly groups.…”

Assessment of mechanical characteristics of polyetheretherketone as orthodontic fixed lingual retainers

“… 39 Biting force results indicated that neither the SSW nor fabricated PEEK specimens reached the maximum force of the estimated occlusal force at the incisal region (250 N). 24 , 25 , 26 Serious mechanical deformation can occur when the force directly acts on the lingual fixed retainer. Patients should also be warned to be careful when biting with the anterior teeth.…”

“…The maximum Von Mises stresses that occurred at the area of forces applied were recorded for comparison. All models were initially subjected to anteroposterior bending (10, 15, and 20 N) 23 , 24 to simulate lip and lingual forces, and any models with unacceptable Von Mises stresses were eliminated ( Fig. 2 ).…”

Assessment of muscular tone of the tongue using a digital measure spoon in a healthy population: A pilot study

“…Our development of the TDS technique was based on the study by Kim et al [ 15 ]. In that study, to measure the maximal isometric tongue protrusion force participants sat upright with the tongue extended 0.5–1 cm beyond the teeth to touch a piston.…”