| Thesis Abstract
This study analyzed swallowing data from 8 subjects, ages 18 to 41 years. The swallowing patterns of 3 males and 5 females with tongue tie were investigated. Subjects diagnosed with tongue tie were evaluated using the Lingual Frenulum Protocol along with information from Holtzman (2014). In addition, subjects were tested for masseter activity using electromyography (EMO), oral muscle strength by means of the Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI), and oropharyngeal swallow timing using a combination of the 4 finger palpation method and EMO. Subjects were compared with normative data found in Holzer et al (2011).
Results revealed a correlation of subjects diagnosed with tongue tie and oral pharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Notably, subjects with tongue tie demonstrated marked differences exhibited by reduced IOPI and EMO masseter measurements. Additionally, subjects presented with noticeably longer swallowing times when compared to the normative data indicating a potential risk factor associated with OPD.
Key words: tongue tie, oral-pharyngeal dysphagia. |