Effect of a Wooden Tongue Depressor Technique Targeted Resistive Exercise in Enhancing Tongue Elevation Pressure for Older Adults:  A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tianshine Kajohnwongsatit; Natthapapath Boonsawat; Natthasart Unasri

Authors

Tianshine Kajohnwongsatit กลุ่มงานเวชกรรมฟื้นฟู โรงพยาบาลขอนแก่น
Natthapapath Boonsawat Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen Hospital
Natthasart Unasri Department of Otolaryngology, Khon Kaen Hospital

Keywords:

tongue strengthening, wooden tongue depressor, older adult, dysphagia, frailty

Abstract

Background: Oral sarcopenia is a significant risk factor for dysphagia. While the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) is effective for rehabilitation, its high cost limits accessibility. This study evaluated a low-cost wooden tongue depressor tool using a fixed-fulcrum lever system to improve tongue function in older adults.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a calibrated wooden tongue depressor technique for enhancing tongue pressure and endurance.

Methods: A randomized controlled superiority trial was conducted with 41 participants aged 50 and older (intervention n=23, control n=18). The intervention group also performed twice-daily training for 8 weeks using a wooden tool calibrated to 60% of their maximum tongue pressure (MTP). Outcomes included MTP and endurance tongue pressure (ETP) measured by IOPI. Statistical analysis compared change scores from baseline.

Results: After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed significantly greater ETP improvement than the control group (p = .008). Mean MTP improvement in the intervention group (3.35 kPa) was higher than in the control group (0.21 kPa). Within-group improvement for the intervention group approached significance
(p = .054).

Conclusion: The wooden tongue depressor technique effectively improves tongue endurance. This accessible, low-cost tool provides a practical alternative for home-based rehabilitation to prevent the progression of oral frailty.

Author Biography

Natthapapath Boonsawat, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen Hospital

Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand

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