Aging is often accompanied by a decline in bodily functions, including the swallowing process. Tongue-strengthening exercises have been shown to improve tongue strength and thickness in healthy adults and the elderly, thereby supporting swallowing function. Consistent exercise is key to preventing muscle weakness and preserving their ability to swallow. However, there is limited research on the effects of tongue-strengthening exercises that explores varying intensities and repetitions in elderly with impaired tongue pressure. Consequently, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of biofeedback tongue strengthening program on tongue pressure and swallowing performance in elderly with abnormal tongue pressure. The results will serve as valuable data for selecting effective interventions to improve tongue strength and swallowing.
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Tongue pressure
Timeframe: Baseline, Post-test after one day of training, Post-test after one month of training
Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) score
Timeframe: Baseline, Post-test after one day of training, Post-test after one month of training
Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS)
Timeframe: Baseline, Post-test after one day of training, Post-test after one month of training
Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) score
Timeframe: Baseline, Post-test after one day of training, Post-test after one month of training
Water swallowing test
Timeframe: Baseline, Post-test after one day of training, Post-test after one month of training