The Performances and Differences in Tongue Function Between Healthy Adults and Dysphagia in Patients With Stroke in Taiwan

Cerebrovascular accident makes adults lose the ability to be independent in daily life, and a higher proportion of them will suffer from dysphagia. Previous studies pointed out that the tongue muscle strength of stroke patients is significantly lower than that of healthy adults. Furthermore, the tongue strength of stroke patients with dysphagia is significantly lower than those without dysphagia. Many studies investigated the performance of tongue function in healthy adults or groups with dysphagia caused by different diseases. However, the current research on the performance of tongue function in healthy adults and stroke patients in Taiwan is relatively lacking. Therefore, our purpose of this study is to investigate the performance and differences of tongue function between healthy adults and strokes patients in Taiwan. This study is expected to recruit 32 healthy adults and stroke patients in each group. The two groups will be matched with each other by gender and age (±2 years). In the study, Mann assessment of swallowing ability (MASA) will be used as an assessment tool to distinguish whether the subjects are accompany with dysphagia and the severity of dysphagia. And using Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) to measure the value of tongue pressure. Then, analyze whether there are significant differences and the correlations. To provide clinicians with empirical data for early detection and intervention of swallowing.