Article

OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare 2 distinct isometric lingual press tasks, fine
sensorimotor versus gross sensorimotor, at multiple sensor locations in relation
to age and sex; and (2) provide a normative data set using a
lingual-strengthening device. DESIGN: Cohort study.
SETTING: University.
PARTICIPANTS: Healthy men and women (N=71; age range, 21-82y) recruited from the
community. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were stratified by age and sex and divided
into 3 age groups. Participants completed, in random order, 2 isometric tasks:
(1) fine sensorimotor: tongue press maximally and discreetly against each of 5
sensors; and (2) gross sensorimotor: tongue press maximally against all 5 sensors
simultaneously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was maximum isometric
pressure in hectopascals (hPa). Secondary outcomes were time to reach peak
pressure (s) and pressure gradient (hPa/s). RESULTS: Maximum pressures were
significantly lower in those of older age for both fine and gross sensorimotor
lingual tasks (P<.01), with the front and back sensors showing the greatest
decline (35% and 45%, respectively). Pressure differences between tasks (P=.0012)
resulted in the fine sensorimotor task generating higher pressures at the front
sensor for all age groups. However, the gross sensorimotor task generated faster
maximum pressures at all sensor locations for all age groups. For both
sensorimotor tasks, subjects of older age as a whole generated less steep
pressure gradients (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related decline in tongue strength
is greater at the anterior and posterior tongue. Results indicate a simpler gross
sensorimotor task may be more beneficial for targeting timing as a biomechanical
parameter during therapy, and the fine sensorimotor task may be more beneficial
for targeting strength.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS