Effect of segmental tongue function training on tongue pressure attributes in individuals with dysphagia after receiving radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of segmental tongue function training on tongue pressure characteristics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy(NPCR) patients who experience dysphagia. The findings of this research are crucial in understanding the potential benefits of tongue rehabilitation exercises for individuals with NPC patients. Hence, it is essential to explore the effects of this type of training on tongue pressure and its associated characteristics.

Methods

A group of eighteen NPCR dysphagia patients underwent a two-week segmental tongue function training. The researchers assessed their tongue motor function by measuring the tongue pressure (P) and endurance time (ET) in three different regions of the tongue-the anterior tongue region (TAR), central tongue region (TCR), and posterior tongue region (TPR). To gather accurate data, a new flexible tongue pressure sensor with 9 measuring sites arranged in a 3 × 3 configuration was used to measure the pressure exerted by the tongue on the palate. The measurements were taken both before and after the segmental tongue function training.

Results

The segmental tongue function training resulted in significant improvements in tongue pressure for the anterior(P_TAR) and central(P_TCR) parts of the tongue(P < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in tongue pressure for the posterior(P_TPR) part of the tongue(P > 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the endurance time for each part of the tongue(P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Segmental tongue function training improved the P_TAR and P_TCR in NPCR dysphagia patients within 2 weeks, and the improvement gradually decreased from the anterior part of the tongue to the posterior part of the tongue. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in PTPR and ET of between each part before and after treatment. This suggests that a longer duration weeks of training may be needed to improve the PTPR and ET in these patients, or alternatively, more targeted training programs could be designed.