Changes in tongue strength and endurance after a typical meal in healthy older adults in a continuing care community

Abstract

The ability to swallow safely is vital for nourishment of the body and brain and depends on adequate tongue function, particularly strength and endurance. Purpose: Investigate changes in tongue strength and endurance in healthy older adults (65+ years). Methods: Self-reported healthy older adults (n = 20; 15 women, 5 men) completed tongue strength and endurance measures before and after a regular lunch using the Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI). Results: A paired samples t-test documented a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in tongue strength following the meal. This contrasts with published data using highly textured food and suggests that a regular, but less textured, meal may provide sufficient resistance for tongue function without generating undue fatigue and diminished strength.